WorldSkills statement and position on the conflict in Ukraine

WorldSkills is politically and denominationally neutral. The invasion of Ukraine by Russia is a clear and enormous breach of our Code of Ethics and Conduct. Belarus, by its active support of Russia’s invasion, has also breached our Code of Ethics and Conduct.

The Russian government has made choices that forfeit its access to participate in events and activities organized by WorldSkills and its Members. Accordingly, WorldSkills International (WSI) applies the following penalties and sanctions, effective immediately:

1. Cancels WorldSkills Russia’s participation in WorldSkills Shanghai 2022.
2. Endorses WorldSkills Europe’s relocation of the EuroSkills Competition 2023 away from St Petersburg to another city in Europe.
3. Suspends WorldSkills Russia’s membership of WorldSkills International and consequently any involvement with WorldSkills Competitions, projects, and activities outside of Russia.
4. Cancels WorldSkills Belarus’ participation in WorldSkills Shanghai 2022.
5. Suspends WorldSkills Belarus’ membership of WorldSkills International and consequently any involvement with WorldSkills Competitions, projects, and activities outside of Belarus.

WSI appreciates the many dedicated individuals (employees and related stakeholders) who have worked tirelessly over the last decade to build WorldSkills Russia, promote and improve skills development within Russia, and contribute to the WorldSkills organization and global movement.

Similarly, WSI appreciates the dedicated individuals (employees and related stakeholders) who have worked tirelessly over the last eight years to build WorldSkills Belarus, promote and improve skills development within Belarus, and contribute to the WorldSkills organization and global movement.

Ukraine is a relatively new Member of WSI, very keen to learn from the WorldSkills organization and Members to develop a strong skills foundation for economic development. Just recently our WorldSkills Expert Faculty were mentoring a group of Ukrainian experts who were motivated to learn and improve their VET system, themselves, and ultimately the youth of Ukraine.

WorldSkills rose out of the ruins of the Second World War, which devastated economies and created a huge skills shortage that threatened a new economic depression. WorldSkills is steadfast in our support for the people of Ukraine, WorldSkills Ukraine, and using skills to build respect, dignity, peace, and prosperity around the world.

 

Media inquiries:
Shawna Bourke
Director of Marketing and Communications
WorldSkills International
shawna.bourke@worldskills.org