Ambassadors gather in Beijing to celebrate WorldSkills Shanghai 2026

The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security (MOHRSS) of China hosted an Ambassadors’ Reception in Beijing on 25 May, bringing the diplomatic community together to celebrate WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 — the world’s greatest celebration of young skilled talent.

“I encourage each of you to celebrate the skilled talent flying your flag on the global stage, just as you would if they had earned that right through sport,” said Francis Hourant, President of WorldSkills, addressing the distinguished gathering that included Madame Wang Xiaoping, Minister of Human Resources and Social Security, and Mr Gong Zheng, Mayor of Shanghai.

“They are as committed as any Olympic athlete and what is most important is that their skills sustain us. They build our homes, power our cities, and drive the economies our world depends on.”

A competition set to break records

The 48th WorldSkills Competition will be held in Shanghai from 22 to 27 September 2026. This edition is on course to set three historic records: the largest number of competition skills ever — 64 in total, including seven new additions; the most Competitors ever at more than 1,400 Competitors from over 70 countries and regions; and the largest venue, spanning 360,000 square metres across 12 halls at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (NECC).

A global movement, 75 years strong

“Portugal is one of the founding Members of WorldSkills, and this year we will once again send a delegation to compete in Shanghai,” said Paulo Nascimento, Ambassador of Portugal to China. Hallam Henry, Ambassador of Barbados, added that the reception gave him “a deeper understanding of the Competition, as well as its value and significance.”

President Hourant placed the Competition in the broader context of WorldSkills mission. “WorldSkills is a network of over 120 countries and regions,” he said. “We continue to attract new Members across Africa, the Americas, Europe, and Asia-Pacific — because every country faces the same challenges: technological transformation, economic growth, sustainability, and social inclusion. Those challenges must be faced together.”

Alongside the Competition, Shanghai will host the WorldSkills Conference 2026 — convening Ministers, government leaders, industry, and education representatives from over 100 countries. The Conference is co-hosted by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security and WorldSkills International in collaboration with the African Union, the European Commission, GAN Global, the German Federal Ministry of Education, Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth, the ILO, the OECD, UNESCO, UNIDO, and the World Bank.

The Conference reflects what President Hourant described as “a global community of leaders united around a single belief — that skills deserve a higher place on the world’s agenda.”

Perhaps the most compelling voice at the reception was Lu Jingyi, a student at Henan Chemical Technician College and one of 11 Global Dream Ambassadors for WorldSkills Shanghai 2026. After winning gold in Chemical Laboratory Technology at WorldSkills Lyon 2024, she spoke of a journey that began with failure — not gaining entry to her preferred high school — but led to the top of the global podium. “Before skills competitions, I had never been on a plane or left my home province. Skills opened the door to a much bigger world for me. My story proves that skills can change your future.”

Visit WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 for more information.