The Global Forum on Digital Transformation in TVET (Shenzhen) 2024 was held from October 22 to 23 at Shenzhen Polytechnic University (SZPU), focusing on the theme Transforming TVET for the Age of AI. Co-organized by the UNESCO Chair on Digitalization in TVET at SZPU, the UNESCO-UNEVOC International Centre for TVET, and the UNESCO Multisectoral Regional Office for East Asia, the forum attracted nearly 130 participants from 35 countries, including TVET policymakers, leaders, practitioners, and experts from international organizations, research institutions, and high-tech companies.
The Seychelles was represented by the Mr. Hubert Barbé, the Principal Education Officer for TVET, Skills Development and STEM from the Division of Technical and Digital Education in the Ministry of Education (MoE), through invitation.
The session featured a panel discussion exploring the practical challenges and strategies for effective governance and policy frameworks, contributing to a deeper understanding of the global landscape of TVET digital transformation.
Other sessions at the forum focused on digital capacity building for TVET institutions and the importance of partnerships in building sustainable TVET digital transformation ecosystems, emphasizing the collaborative efforts required for effective digital transformation.
During the forum, the UNESCO Chair on Digitalization in TVET released five key publications: Digital Transformation in Global TVET: Methodology and Practices, Syllabuses of Digital Programs in TVET, and a series of 50 course syllabuses, including Course Syllabuses for TVET: The Artificial Intelligence Programme and Course Syllabuses for TVET: The Big Data Programme, as well as 100 Promising Practices of Digital Transformation in TVET. These resources aim to provide TVET institutions worldwide with practical tools and frameworks for their digital transformation journey.
On the second day, delegates visited Huawei to witness the emerging digital technologies and engaged in discussions on digital transformation and international cooperation, followed by a study visit to SZPU’s digital learning and training scenarios. These activities aimed to provide participants with insights into AI-driven solutions and future educational applications, further strengthening international partnerships in TVET.
On the third day, that is 24th October, the “2024 TVET Leadership Workshop on Digital Transformation”, organized by the UNESCO Chair on Digitalization in TVET at Shenzhen Polytechnic University (SZPU) in collaboration with the UNESCO-UNEVOC International Centre for TVET and the UNESCO Multisectoral Regional Office for East Asia, took its turn. The second workshop brought together TVET leaders, government officials, and leaders or directors from universities and TVET institutions from 24 countries across the Asia-Pacific and Africa. It aimed to provide a capacity building platform to exchange knowledge, share innovative solutions, and build capacity in leading and promoting the digital transformation of TVET sector globally.
The final day featured an interactive session where participants shared and exchanged insights on digital transformation in their respective contexts. This exchange facilitated a deeper understanding of shared challenges and opportunities, fostering collaboration and strengthening global partnerships in TVET.
This mission has resulted in the Ministry of Education securing a memorandum of understanding (MoU), proposed by the Shenzhen Polytechnic University to be signed between the two parties in the very near future. The signing of the MoU will allow the MoE to seek support in the digital transformation in TVET including exchange of expertise with such a prestigious TVET institution.
