Tianjin, China – Ethiopia’s vision for skills development at World Vocational Education Conference was highlighted by the Ethiopian Minister of Labor and Skills
Ethiopia’s Minister of Labor and Skills delivered an inspiring address at the 2024 World Vocational and Technical Education Development Conference, which saw over 1,000 participants from 80 countries, alongside representatives from 4 international organizations.
The conference, held in Tianjin, China, gathered more than 450 foreign guests, highlighting global collaboration and innovation in vocational education and skills development.
The Ethiopian Minister began with a warm greeting on behalf of the Ethiopian government and people, expressing sincere gratitude for the opportunity to participate in the conference. The theme of the conference, “Innovation Empowers the Future, Skills Enlighten New Life,” resonated deeply with Ethiopia’s own vision for human capital development.
“As a nation with a young and dynamic population, Ethiopia views skills development as a vital cornerstone of our economic growth,” the Minister stated. The country is prioritizing Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as a key driver of development, with a strategic focus on industry-education integration to match the labor market’s demands and provide pathways to employment and entrepreneurship.
Green Legacy Initiative
Ethiopia’s ambitious Green Legacy Initiative, a nationwide environmental project focused on planting billions of trees, was highlighted as an example of sustainable development. The Minister emphasized that the country is equipping its youth with the skills needed to advance a low-carbon economy, driving innovation in renewable energy, climate-smart agriculture, and other green sectors.
The Minister also extended heartfelt appreciation to the Chinese government for its ongoing support, particularly through the Luban Workshop initiative, which has been active in Ethiopia since 2021. This initiative, named after a legendary Chinese craftsman, aims to enhance vocational education and technical skills. Through this collaboration, thousands of Ethiopian youth have gained access to top-tier vocational training, aligning their skills with global standards and contributing to Ethiopia’s development goals.
“We are immensely grateful for China’s continued support,” the Minister remarked, noting that this partnership has empowered Ethiopia’s workforce and fostered innovation in education and skills development.
Looking ahead, Ethiopia remains committed to further strengthening its cooperation with China. The Minister expressed hope for continued collaborative efforts in training programs, as well as the sharing of knowledge and best practices between nations, particularly in Africa. Ethiopia, as the host nation of the African Union, is positioning itself to be a hub for advancing skills development across the African continent.
The launch of the World Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) League at this conference was highlighted as an essential step toward global collaboration in skills development. The Minister emphasized that such partnerships are crucial for addressing common challenges such as youth unemployment and skills gaps. Through collective action and knowledge exchange, countries can improve their vocational training systems and prepare their youth for success in an increasingly competitive global economy.
Closing Remarks
In closing, the Minister reiterated Ethiopia’s commitment to lifelong learning and adaptable skills development pathways. By continuously upgrading skills and embracing emerging technologies, Ethiopia is positioning itself to remain competitive on the global stage while fostering sustainable economic growth.
“We are grateful to our hosts in China – the Ministry of Education and the Tianjin Municipal Government – for organizing this pivotal conference,” the Minister said. “The partnerships and discussions initiated here will contribute significantly to our shared journey toward a skills-driven future.”
Further, as the conference concluded, Ethiopia reaffirmed its readiness to collaborate with the international community to advance vocational education and build a future where skills are the key to unlocking opportunity and innovation for all.
The following image showcases a stall at the conference.
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