17 October 2025
WorldSkills General Assembly 2025 concludes
Day four of WorldSkills General Assembly 2025 focused on visionary thinking, key votes, and recognition of the skills community’s most valued people.
The last day of WorldSkills General Assembly 2025 opened with words of gratitude to Members and Global Partners from the President and Chair of WorldSkills, Francis Hourant. He said, “Thank you for your ideas and your vision this week. As we enter our final day, we now ask for your support so, together, we can move forward and activate the great conversations that have taken place here in Dubrovnik.”
He was followed by an address from China’s Minister of Human Resources and Social Security, Minister Wang Xiaoping, who acknowledged the significance of the year and the country’s ambitions for WorldSkills Shanghai 2026.
She said, “This year marks the 75th anniversary of WorldSkills and the 15th anniversary of China’s membership of WorldSkills. Over the years, we have fully leveraged the strength of the WorldSkills movement, gradually growing from a learner and a follower to a companion.”
After sharing examples of TVET reform and progress in China, she concluded with an invitation to delegates saying, “WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 is like a ship sailing the vast ocean of skills. I invite you all to set off from the Adriatic Sea today and travel to the Huangpu River in Shanghai. There, let us use the power of skills to change the world, light the way forward for young people, and write a new chapter for the skills movement.”
The WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 Competition Organizers went on to highlight key milestones during this final countdown year, including a reminder of how to participate in 48th WorldSkills Competition and WorldSkills Conference 2026, as well as plans for Competition Preparation Week in Shanghai in February 2026. WorldSkills Aichi 2028 Competition Organizers also shared an update on their plans, including a reminder of the venue and infrastructure and news of its national competition.
The morning session then shifted to updates from WorldSkills committees and working groups.
WorldSkills Champions Trust reminded assembled delegates about their work and their purpose. Leyla Valiyeva, representative for Middle East & North Africa said, “Our mission is to spread the WorldSkills message and add the youth perspective to conversations about skills development. We share our personal journeys at major international events and join global conversations to ensure they include the realities of those who have walked the skills path.”
Diego Andrés Lopez Garro, representative for Americas, added, “As part of the Champions Trust, I have learned how even the smallest action can drive positive change. We want to open doors to others and show them that, with dedication, anything is possible.”
Members and Partners then heard progress reports from WorldSkills Experts Faculty, WorldSkills Global Research Council, Marketing and Communications, Sponsorship and Partnership, and developments on the formation of an Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion working group.
WorldSkills General Assembly 2025 turned to decision-making. The Competitions Committee, the Strategic Development Committee, and the Board put forward various proposals for endorsement and Alexander Erdman, WorldSkills Board member and Treasurer, talked through the financial position. All proposals and financial statements were approved by Members.
The final sessions of WorldSkills General Assembly 2025 gave a platform to hear about partner projects and regional news from Africa, the Americas, Asia, and Europe.
The day culminated with a heartfelt Awards and Recognitions ceremony, including the ratification of a new Honorary Expert award and the launch of a dedicated webpage that recognizes those people who have made significant contribution to the WorldSkills movement. Both Michael Fung, Board member – Competitions, and San-Quei Lin, Board member – Strategic Development, received standing ovations as they reach the end of their respective terms on the WorldSkills Board.
In a fitting close, WorldSkills Croatia received a warm round of applause for their outstanding hospitality and organization. Nino Buić, Official Delegate shared that, “From the moment we won in Dublin in 2023, we started making plans. For two years we worked hard and, in the process, we made some new friends. We are full of pride and gratitude that we could be your hosts this week. We gave you the best of our country, our history, our culture, and our nature. Above all we gave you our hearts and hospitality.”