Shanghai is ready to be the City of Skills

In September 2024, Shanghai, China, was passed the WorldSkills flag at the Closing Ceremony of the 47th WorldSkills Competition held in Lyon, France. With this act, the WorldSkills Competition officially entered China’s time and Shanghai’s moment. Shanghai is now preparing for the Competition, embracing the role of a “City of Skills” and composing a prelude to the upcoming skills event in 2026.

As an international metropolis, Shanghai has successfully blended its welcoming, all-embracing openness with a dedication to excellence in craftsmanship. In the newly released official promotional video of Skills Relay Life, the camera pans across the WorldSkills Museum, engaging in a dialogue across time and space with the century-old architectural ensemble along the Huangpu River at the Bund. It settles on the invitation from a Chinese WorldSkills Champion to the world: “Are you ready?” This is not only a confident declaration from China’s skilled talents but also an invitation to the global youth of skills from Shanghai.

Shanghai is a city gearing up for the WorldSkills Competition, connecting people from all corners of the globe. This busy hub, known for its strong coffee culture, stands ready to welcome the world. Shanghai is also a city of dynamic fashion, where designers blend traditional craftsmanship with contemporary concepts, showcasing the unique charm of Eastern culture. The city truly embodies a centuries-old spirit of craftsmanship passed down through generations, a celebration of excellence and respect for skills.

Shanghai is redefining what it means to be a sustainable metropolis. Understanding the need to remain a green city, Shanghai invites the WorldSkills community to experience the gardens, green rooftops, and ecological initiatives led by horticulturists and biologists. In Shanghai, environmental protection is not just a slogan but a way of life woven into the fabric of society.

Across the whole city, momentum is growing for the WorldSkills Competition. Recently, the second Shanghai Vocational Skills Competition, themed “Skills Shape a Better Future,” opened at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (NECC), Shanghai, home to WorldSkills Shanghai 2026. The 99 events of this Competition are fully aligned with the Third National Vocational Skills Competition, which will be held in Henan, China, this year. The event serves both as a selection process for outstanding candidates for the national competition and as a talent pool for next year’s 48th WorldSkills Competition.

As it prepares for the WorldSkills Competition, Shanghai is actively cultivating a social environment that embraces, honors, and promotes skills. Skills are passed on through life, and they will continue to shape the future. As this promotional video says, “Shanghai is ready!”

As the video director stated, “Every frame captures the authentic skills ecosystem of Shanghai. Skills are more than just tools; they’re the vital pulse of the city’s lifeline.”

Welcome to Shanghai, WorldSkills!

For more information about WorldSkills Shanghai 2026, visit the official website: https://worldskills2026.com/