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 Nations post-2030 agenda.
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 selected skills initiatives present their projects during focused 30-minute consultations to potential partners, funders, collaborators, and peers who want to learn from their experience.
Meeting booking is now open for all Conference participants via the Conference app.
Download the official event app
Your Conference experience starts here: The app is essential for registering for Skills CoLab meetings and field trips, and it’s where you’ll network with fellow attendees, build your personalised agenda, and find your way around the venue.
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.
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
