worldSkills Conference 2026
shaping a skills-driven future
23 to 25 September 2026
National Exhibition and Convention Center (NECC)
Shanghai, China
Uniting the global skills movement
The WorldSkills Conference 2026 is the premier global platform where leaders, experts, and young people come together to shape the future of skills. Taking place alongside WorldSkills Shanghai 2026, the Conference will unite diverse voices to accelerate innovation, equity, and excellence in skills development worldwide. This is not only a gathering, but a call to action – empowering policy makers, industry, and education to share best practices and deliver skills solutions in a rapidly changing world and shape the United Nation’s post-2030 agenda.
WORLDSKILLS SHANGHAI 2026
From 22 to 27 September 2026, Shanghai will be the meeting place for the world’s skills community, where east meets west, tradition meets innovation.
While over 1,400 young people from more than 60 countries and regions compete across 64 skill competitions, spectators will experience the WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 Expo – with career resources, educational activations, and Try-a-Skills – creating the world’s largest stage for advancing skilled careers, and the place to be inspired by how skills events can attract and activate the next generation. Shanghai is a hub of innovation, making it the ideal location to spark new ideas and global partnerships in skills development.
WorldSkills Shanghai 2026
Opening Ceremony
22 September
WorldSkills Competition and Expo
23 to 26 September
WorldSkills Conference
23 to 25 September
Ministerial activities with the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security (MOHRSS)
23 September
WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 Closing Ceremony
27 September
News
Building on worldSkills Conference 2024
MOVING TVET TO THE TOP OF THE GLOBAL AGENDA
Over two exhilarating days, WorldSkills Conference 2024 drew 1,000 attendees, all focused on propelling TVET to the top of the global agenda and tackling urgent skills development challenges.
We are building on that momentum from 2024, turning inspiration into action through sharing best practice, stronger international cooperation, and a focus on scalable solutions that bring the global TVET agenda to life.
worldSkills Conference 2026
shaping a skills-driven future
23 September
Day 1 of WorldSkills Conference 2026 explores how to strengthen and scale skills systems for the future – from building human-centred, sustainable TVET ecosystems to driving international cooperation for skills recognition and mobility.
24 September
This day’s program explores how technology and collaboration are reshaping the future of skills. Sessions will explore Al’s real impact on tomorrow’s workforce, practical tools for embracing digital innovation in TVEL, and new approaches to transforming teaching and training in the digital age.
25 September
A third day has been added to the Conference programme, focusing on the future of the Global TVET agenda and the role individual countries play in advancing a skills-driven future.
Conference Packages
Make your trip simple and stress-free with official WorldSkills Conference 2026 packages, which are designed to give you a seamless experience during WorldSkills Shanghai 2026.
Join leaders, policymakers, and change agents at this not-to-be-missed event that puts skills at the centre of a sustainable, secure, and inclusive future.
Building on worldSkills Conference 2024
Skills CoLab
A new initiative premiering at WorldSkills Conference 2026, designed to foster international cooperation and knowledge sharing in Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
The Skills CoLab is an interactive marketplace where you present your project through focused 20-30 minute consultations with people genuinely interested in your work—potential partners, funders, collaborators, and peers who want to learn from your experience.
The Skills CoLab welcomes submissions from a wide range of individuals and/or organizations engaged in skills development innovation.