Agenda
23 to 25 September 2026
The WorldSkills Conference is the world’s leading forum for reimagining the future of skills.
Held alongside WorldSkills Shanghai 2026, the next event will bring together leaders, experts, and young people to drive innovation, equity, and excellence in skills development.
More than an event, it is a call to action—mobilising policymakers, industry, and education partners to share what works and help shape the United Nations’ post-2030 agenda.
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.
Discussions will focus on aligning strategies for the post-2030 agenda, unlocking and financing investment in TVET and apprenticeships, and tackling poverty alleviation through foundational skills. Together, these sessions highlight the critical levers for creating inclusive and future-ready skills systems worldwide.
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.
A focus will be placed on industry as a vital partner in education – from driving innovation and ensuring skills systems keep pace with labour market needs. The WorldSkills Vision 2035 strategy will be spotlighted as a shared roadmap for building a truly skills-driven future – one that unites education, industry, and governments to accelerate innovation, equity, and opportunity. Sessions with a dedicated focus on fragile economies, as well as African skills initiatives that will showcase best practice examples that WorldSkills Members could adopt and scale up.
Conference participants take part in guided tours around WorldSkills Competition 2026 and Expo, providing an insider’s view of the skill competitions, educational activations, and Try-a-Skills that showcase the full spectrum of skills in action.
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.
Participants will also visit on fieldtrips examples of China’s TVET system, explore innovative collaborations with industry, and experience the WorldSkills Museum. That evening, Conference guests will join WorldSkills, Global Partners, and Event Sponsors for a fantastic networking opportunity and reception.