WorldSkills Lyon 2024 releases Impact Report

More than a record of what happened over those four unforgettable days, the WorldSkills Lyon 2024 Impact Report reveals the far-reaching impact of the WorldSkills Competition, which brought together the world’s most talented young professionals determined to demonstrate the power of skills to transform lives, industries, and societies.

Through the lens of its three guiding pillars – inspiration, innovation, and sustainability – WorldSkills Lyon 2024 not only celebrated skills excellence but also redefined how the global stage for skills can empower youth, engage local and national communities, and lead by example in sustainability.

WorldSkills Lyon 2024 inspired

Emmanuel Macron, President of the French Republic, said, “Hosting WorldSkills Lyon 2024 was more than a commitment for France. It was a sign. A sign given to the youth of the whole world, so that they always dare and look to the future with confidence and hope.”

WorldSkills Lyon 2024 aimed to inspire pride in young people’s skills, and it succeeded. As the world’s largest gathering of young, skilled professionals, the event brought together 1,333 Competitors whose dedication and achievements served as an inspiration to all. Each Competitor’s journey was a testament to excellence, ambition, and the potential of vocational education and training (TVET) to transform lives.

“WorldSkills Lyon 2024 showed us the passion and talent that young people have. It showed how much industries, governments, and educators across the world must invest in skills excellence. And it showed us that we can only change our world if we believe in, and nurture, skills,” said Chris Humphries, President of WorldSkills.

The event resonated beyond Eurexpo across the metropolis of Lyon. The Village of Skills brought the excitement of WorldSkills to the heart of the city, while One School One Country and dedicated school visits ensured that youth remained central to the event. More than 61,000 students from 656 schools participated, discovering new professions, interacting with Competitors from around the globe, and reshaping their perceptions of skilled careers.

Inspiring the next generation was also the foundation of the Volunteer Programme. Uniquely open to participants as young as 12, it created an intergenerational experience rooted in inclusion and discovery. In a survey held post-event, over 80% of volunteers reported they had discovered new professions and changed their perceptions of the skills on display.

WorldSkills Lyon 2024 innovated

Central to the visitor experience for the 140,000 guests were 46 Try-a-Skills, offering hands-on opportunities for visitors. These zones bridged the gap between spectators and Competitors, turning curiosity into connection.

WorldSkills Lyon 2024 also served as a launchpad for global collaboration, with WorldSkills Conference 2024 reaching new highs. Over 1,200 attendees came together with the aim of “Moving TVET to the top of the global agenda”. The CoVE Forum (Centres of Vocational Excellence) and an International Youth Forum took place on the sidelines of the Conference, further amplifying the event. The Skills in Africa Programme debuted in Lyon, creating new opportunities for French-speaking African delegations and reinforcing the Competition’s global vision.

WorldSkills Lyon 2024 sustainability roadmap

WorldSkills Lyon 2024 wasn’t just a showcase of skills excellence. It prioritized creating an event on a human scale, committed to social equity with sustainability embedded in planning and delivery.

At the heart of this vision was the Competition’s Sustainability Strategy, which evolved into a roadmap built around six core commitments. These included reducing environmental impact, fostering inclusion and diversity, and championing ethical governance, while prioritizing safety, well-being, and local engagement.

Of the 952.57 tonnes of waste generated during the event, 91% was recycled. Collaborating with a French reuse specialist, WorldSkills Lyon 2024 also gave new life to more than 6.6 tonnes of materials including PVC, carpet, and cotton. Surplus food was also redistributed to local charities to support communities in need.

Inclusion was another pillar of the sustainability approach. With 24 actions implemented to promote diversity and equal opportunity, WorldSkills Lyon 2024 worked to ensure that every participant, regardless of background, could thrive. Accessibility measures were expanded to welcome individuals with disabilities and reduced mobility.

The success of this holistic approach has left a lasting blueprint. As the Impact Report reveals, the lessons of WorldSkills Lyon 2024 extend far beyond the Competition floor. They invite WorldSkills Members, Partners, and Experts around the world to carry forward ambitions for increased sustainability and inclusion, along with excellence into every future project and every young person’s path.

Download the WorldSkills Lyon 2024 Impact Report.