Themed on "Integrating Vocational Education and Lifelong Learning," the parallel session of 2024 World Vocational and Technical Education Development Conference was held in Tianjin on Nov. 21.

The event was hosted by the Ministry of Education of China, the National Commission of China for UNESCO, and the Tianjin Municipal People's Government, and organized by the Open University of China (OUC) and Tianjin Open University. Over 200 participants from 12 countries and regions, including education experts, scholars, and government officials, engaged in in-depth discussion on the integration of vocational education and lifelong learning in the digital era, shared experiences, explored potential solutions to challenges so as to promote the high-quality development of global vocational education and the creation of a learning society.

In the address session, Hon. Leokana Tozen, Minister of Education and Human Resources Development of the Solomon Islands, shared insights into the country’s experience in developing vocational and skills education, including the current state of development, policy and institutional support, practical applications, and future development plans.

Kezamudru Musisiri Jean-Pierre, Deputy Minister of National Education and New Citizenship of the Democratic Republic of Congo, emphasized the significance of vocational education and lifelong learning for national development. He called for a collective effort to prioritize education, particularly vocational and technical education, on the national agenda.

Ritesh Tularam, Deputy Chief Education Officer of the Ministry of Education of Guyana, presented Guyana's policies and initiatives to advance the digitalization of vocational education. He advocated for the establishment of a vocational education cooperation network to facilitate information sharing to achieve high-quality education and Sustainable Development Goals.

Kaisar Abdukerim, Vice Chairman of the government of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, highlighted Xinjiang's continuous efforts to enhance the quality of vocational education and talent cultivation, the proactive promotion of lifelong learning, and the emphasis on enhancing international exchanges and cooperation.

The parallel session featured two thematic discussions where 17 experts from seven countries and regions delivered keynote speeches. They shared respective successful experiences and innovative practices in integrating vocational education and lifelong learning. They also discussed the challenges and corresponding strategies in the field, and reached a consensus on future directions for cooperation and development.

In the thematic discussion on "Sharing Experiences of Integrating Vocational Education and Lifelong Learning in the Digital Era," eight speakers shared their insights.

Dr. Wang Qiming, Party Secretary and President of OUC, noted that lifelong learning has become an international consensus for driving educational transformation and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Leveraging educational digitalization to ensure universal access to lifelong learning opportunities and supporting Chinese modernization with high-quality population development has become a national strategy in China.

Alison Dell, Minister-Counsellor (Education and Research) at the Australian Embassy in China, highlighted the importance of work-oriented vocational education and training (VET), and the collaboration with industries in developing VET qualifications, which provide diverse pathways and support for Australia's vocational education and training system.

Kong Ravuth, Vice President of the National Polytechnic Institute of Cambodia, introduced the significant role of the institute's "Lancang-Mekong Vocational Education Training Center" and "Cambodia Luban Workshop" projects in cultivating skilled talents and boosting regional economic development. He also shared the institute's innovative strategies in curriculum design and pedagogy, technology integration, and industry collaboration.

Prof. Olivier Drouard Pascarel, Dean of the Trade and Technology Department at the University of Toulouse II (Institut Universitaire de Technologie Toulouse 2 Figeac), detailed the university's initiatives in fostering the integration of vocational education and lifelong learning through pedagogical reforms and international cooperation. He said the university has shifted a focus from knowledge-based assessment to skills-based assessment, with the goal of enhancing students' professional development and cultivating talents equipped with both global perspectives and vocational skills.

Prof. Jiang Xingpeng, President of Wuhan Open University (Wuhan Vocational College of Software and Engineering), introduced how the university has achieved deep integration of open education and vocational education through approaches including shared educational philosophies, collaborative talent cultivation, joint resource development, shared faculty resources, and collaborative management.

Qin Qingsong, Party Secretary of Qingdao Technical College, shared the college's exploration and practices in building a learning society through the "QTC Training" brand.

Prof. Kam Cheong Li, Dean of the School of Open Learning at Hong Kong Metropolitan University, emphasized that digital technology has not only diversified vocational education formats but also significantly bolstered the facilitation of lifelong learning. He recognized digital empowerment as a pivotal force in driving the integration and innovation of vocational education and continuing education.

Wang Xihua, Party Secretary of Tianjin Railway Technical and Vocational College, shared the college's innovative practices and experiences in training international rail transit employees. He said the college has established an international training model featuring cross-border collaboration, chain-style talent cultivation, and multi-dimensional integration.

In the thematic discussion on "Challenges and Paths for Integration of Vocational Education and Lifelong Learning in the Digital Era," nine speakers shared their insights.

Prof. Santhi Raghavan, Vice President of Open University Malaysia, detailed how the integration of advanced technological tools such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Virtual Reality (VR), and Learning Management Systems (LMS) has significantly promoted the integrated development of vocational education and lifelong learning.

Ma Yuxia, President of Zhengzhou Railway Vocational & Technical College, highlighted the "Integrated System, Integration of Personnel & Environments, and Three Guarantees" innovative practice model and its significant contribution to the high-quality development of "Skilled Henan" initiative.

Mary Russell, Chief Executive Officer of the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency in Australia, shared Australia's key initiatives formulated to meet the future economic and social demands for skills development.

Yu Zhongwu, President of Tianjin Maritime College, presented the college's innovative practices in cultivating maritime talents. He highlighted the college's exploratory practices and future plans regarding a maritime career cycle education model.

Asha S. Kanwar, Chair of the Governing Board of the UNESCO Institute for Information Technologies in Education, highlighted the critical role of skills development and reskilling in promoting innovative lifelong learning from an international perspective. She shared insights into innovative practices and experiences from countries such as China, Australia, Trinidad and Tobago.

So Wai Man, Raymond, Principal of the Institute of Professional Education and Knowledge of the Hong Kong Vocational Training Council, showcased how the council's comprehensive curriculum and training programs have contributed to Hong Kong’s economic growth and long-term development.

Huang Chongcheng, President of Quanzhou College of Technology, shared the college's innovative implementation of the "1314" work model of the Vocational Education Craftsman College, which aims to enhance the cultivation of technical and skilled talents and to strengthen the integration of vocational education and lifelong learning..

Prof. Elijah Omwenga, Vice-Chancellor of Kenya Open University, underscored the importance and necessity of integrating and innovating vocational education and lifelong learning in Kenya. He discussed this topic from the perspectives of historical background, current needs, and existing challenges.

Prof. Du Changyou, President of Tianjin Open University, highlighted the unique role of integrating vocational education and continuing education in promoting the integrated development of industry, education and city in Tianjin.

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