WorldSkills Conference 2026, held alongside the 48th WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai, offers a valuable opportunity for Ministers, policymakers and dignitaries to join the world’s largest gathering of the skills community.
The global skills community – representing over 120 countries and regions – will meet at WorldSkills Conference 2026 for three days of plenary and interactive sessions, the Skills CoLab, and field trips to innovative centres around Shanghai. Ministers and international dignitaries will join the Conference, as well as high-level meetings with their international counterparts.
For WorldSkills Members, this is a chance to give their Ministers a first-hand view of what skills excellence looks like, and to connect them with other leaders who are grappling with the same questions about the future of work and learning.
WorldSkills Ireland has already taken up this rare opportunity for international diplomacy. The Member has secured the attendance of James Lawless TD, Ireland’s Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science. His participation reflects the calibre of engagement Members can expect from their own delegations.
Minister Lawless said, “I am excited to visit Shanghai for WorldSkills 2026 and to see skills excellence in action on a global stage. It will be a fantastic opportunity to support Team Ireland as they compete with the very best young skilled professionals from around the world, while also engaging with fellow Ministers and leaders from across the globe. I look forward to sharing experiences, strengthening international collaboration, and exploring how we can ensure skills remain at the heart of building resilient, future-ready economies.”
David Hoey, CEO of WorldSkills International, says, “I encourage every Member to extend this invitation to their Ministers and dignitaries. This is an unprecedented opportunity to bring them into direct dialogue with those people shaping the future of skills development worldwide. We firmly believe that the relationships built in Shanghai will go on to strengthen the case for TVET on the international agenda for years to come.”