Bridging Worlds Through Language, Embracing the Future Through Education | 2026 World Youth Skills Day Thematic Event & Launch Ceremony of the Global Youth Chinese + Skills Program Successfully Held

One year ago today, China POCY Group, at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, in partnership with the UNESCO Global Skills Academy (GSA), officially launched the "Global Youth Skills Scholarship Program," offering "Chinese + Skills" training to young people from Africa, Latin America, and Small Island Developing States. That was a promise — and an invitation to cross-cultural dialogue.

One year later, as the World Youth Skills Day echoes across time zones and resonates with aspirations from afar, the first cohort of Global Youth "Chinese + Skills" participants has gathered at China Craftsman Valley - Beijing Caofeidian International Vocational Education Town, embarking on their immersive "Chinese + Vocational Skills" learning journey.

From the banks of the Seine to the shores of the Bohai Sea, from solemn commitment to tangible action — a pathway of dialogue among civilizations, bridged by skills and connected through language, is unfolding beneath our feet…

On July 15, the 12th World Youth Skills Day, the "2026 World Youth Skills Day Thematic Event & Launch Ceremony of the Global Youth Chinese + Skills Program" was successfully held at China Craftsman Valley · Beijing Caofeidian International Vocational Education Town. Under the theme "Bridging Worlds Through Language, Embracing the Future Through Education," the event brought together UNESCO officials, education authorities at all levels, representatives from domestic and international partner institutions and enterprises, alongside 35 inaugural international students from seven countries across Africa, Latin America, and beyond — to jointly witness this significant moment of youth skills development and cross-cultural friendship.

01 Distinguished Guests Gather to Chart a New Blueprint for Global Skills Development

At the event, Mr. Borhene Chakroun, Director of the Division for Lifelong Learning at UNESCO, delivered a video address. He highly commended the program‘s exemplary value in global youth skills development, praising its "Chinese + Skills" integrated model as an innovative paradigm for cross-border vocational education cooperation. He expressed his expectation that China Craftsman Valley will continue to deliver high-quality international training outcomes, empowering more young people worldwide with employable skills.

Dr. Zhao Yuchi, Executive Director of UNESCO INRULED, noted in his remarks that the systematic "Chinese + Skills" training model developed by China Craftsman Valley covers the full chain of language, culture, hands-on training, and employment — precisely addressing the human resource development needs of developing countries. He described it as a highly effective and innovative pathway for international vocational education cooperation. He expressed his hope that both sides will continue to deepen strategic collaboration, jointly implementing diverse projects such as rural talent development, cross-border study tours, and overseas learning centers, working together to build a flagship model for global youth skills empowerment within the UNESCO system.

Ms. Sun Aiping, Executive Vice President of China POCY Group, reflected on the launch of the Global Youth Skills Scholarship Program at the 2025 World Youth Skills Day main event in Paris. She noted that one year later, the establishment of the "Chinese + Skills" Training Base is a powerful response to this year‘s World Youth Skills Day theme — "Skills for a Shared Future."

She extended three heartfelt hopes to all international students: to build a foundation through skills — strengthening their Chinese language proficiency and professional competencies; to connect through culture — engaging in mutual learning through immersive cultural experiences; and to pursue their dreams with vision — actively participating in the global governance of skills development.

02 A Two-Way Journey Across Mountains and Seas — Building Bridges of Youth Friendship

During the ceremony, the international students took turns introducing themselves in Chinese, enthusiastically showcasing the language skills they had acquired since enrollment, expressing their gratitude and affection for their instructors and the Craftsman Valley institutions in sincere and heartfelt words. Student representatives from Craftsman Valley institutions presented specially prepared welcome gift packs to their new classmates — each gift and greeting conveying the warm hospitality and best wishes of their Chinese peers.

Self-Introduction of International Students

Student representatives from China Craftsman Valley institutions 

presented gifts to all international students.

A student representative of the international cohort pledged to make the most of this opportunity, studying diligently and mastering both the Chinese language and professional skills while serving as a cultural ambassador. A faculty representative from Craftsman Valley institutions, in turn, committed to providing rigorous academic guidance and warm pastoral care — serving as both mentors in learning and companions in daily life.

Speeches by International Students Representative

Speeches by China Craftsman Valley Faculty Representative

03 Official Inauguration of the Training Base — Establishing a New Paradigm for Holistic Education

At the ceremony, Dr. Zhao Yuchi, Executive Director of UNESCO INRULED; Mr. Feng Guofang, Vice President of Hebei Education and Culture International Exchange Association; Mr. Yang Zhilin, Executive President of China POCY Group; Mr. Ding Guosheng, Vice President of China POCY Group; Ms. Liu Caiqin, President of Caofeidian College of Technology; and Mr. Li Jiasheng, President of Tangshan Marine Vocational College, jointly unveiled the Global Youth "Chinese + Skills" Training Base. The Base will operate in tandem with the Global Youth Chinese + Skills Program, mutually reinforcing each other — ensuring that the spirit of World Youth Skills Day takes root at China Craftsman Valley for the long term, providing a permanent platform, sustainable mechanisms, and tangible outcomes for cross-regional and cross-civilizational skills cooperation.

In 2014, the United Nations General Assembly designated July 15 as World Youth Skills Day, calling on countries worldwide to collaborate in strengthening youth skills development systems and addressing youth unemployment. On July 15, 2025, as a member of the UNESCO Global Education Coalition (GEC) and a partner of the Global Skills Academy (GSA), the China Craftsman Valley delegation was invited to attend the UNESCO World Youth Skills Day event in Paris and launched the "Global Youth Skills Scholarship Program." Coinciding with the first anniversary of that launch and intersecting with World Youth Skills Day 2026, the Global Youth "Chinese + Skills" Training Base has now been established at China Craftsman Valley. Through "Chinese + Skills" training, it empowers promising young people in developing countries, transforming global development initiatives into a regularized, substantive, and replicable model of international vocational education practice.

04 Cultural Performances Celebrate a New Chapter of Mutual Learning Among Civilizations

The ceremony concluded with a vibrant cultural showcase that brought together diverse global traditions, bringing the atmosphere to a climax. The opening dance Waka Waka, full of the vitality of the African continent, radiated the energy and spirit of global youth. The chorus We Are the World resonated with the shared vision of a community with a shared future for mankind. Acrobatic foot-juggling, the Peking Opera excerpt Wujiapo, and the Sichuan Opera face-changing performance took turns on stage, showcasing Eastern craftsmanship and the profound heritage of traditional Chinese culture. A cross-genre instrumental ensemble and the song I Love You, China told stories of the homeland, helping young people from around the world understand the cultural fabric of China. The entire performance drew to a close with the timeless melody of Auld Lang Syne, symbolizing the enduring legacy of global vocational education cooperation and the everlasting friendship among youth across nations.

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From language to culture, from skills training to employment pathways, the China Craftsman Valley Global Youth Chinese + Skills Program — with its systematic design, innovative approach, and tangible impact — unites the aspirations of young people from five continents, empowering them with marketable skills to realize their full potential. It continuously injects Craftsman Valley wisdom and vocational education momentum — infused with both Eastern cultural heritage and global perspective — into the shared endeavor of building a prosperous, symbiotic, and interconnected community with a shared future for mankind.

Looking ahead, as cohort after cohort of young scholars set out from China Craftsman Valley, they will carry with them not only knowledge and skills, but also memories of friendship, possibilities for development, and confidence in the future. What began as an educational commitment on World Youth Skills Day will ultimately converge into a powerful current — driving global development and fostering mutual understanding among civilizations.

Illuminating the future of global youth with the light of skills — advancing mutual understanding among civilizations through education.

China Craftsman Valley — Showcasing the Spirit of Craftsmanship to the World!