- UNESCO inaugurates its first global Category 1 STEM education institute in Asia-Pacific.
- The institute will drive inclusive, equitable, and innovative STEM education worldwide.
- China-UNESCO collaboration aims to support sustainable development and teacher training.
UNESCO has officially inaugurated the International Institute for STEM Education in Shanghai, marking the first global Category 1 Institute in the Asia-Pacific region. The new hub is set to advance global STEM education and strengthen international cooperation in teaching and innovation.
The institute will promote inclusive and equitable STEM learning across all stages of education, from early childhood to adulthood. It will also serve as a center for networking, resources, and capacity building while supporting UNESCO’s strategy for sustainable development.
China’s Education Minister Huai Jinpeng described the launch as a ‘historic milestone’ in the partnership between China and UNESCO. He said the institute will act as a testing ground for new educational ideas and foster global collaboration in open science and education.
UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay said Shanghai’s rich mix of knowledge, innovation, and culture makes it the ideal location. She added that the institute will play a vital role in advancing equitable STEM education and tackling shared global challenges.
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The initiative builds on ongoing projects like the Shanghai International STEM Education Volunteer Project, launched in 2022. This program has already reached over 600 teachers in Africa and Southeast Asia, offering workshops, classroom demonstrations, and teacher training support.
By combining international cooperation with grassroots engagement, the new institute aims to equip educators and students worldwide with the tools needed for the digital age, innovation, and sustainable growth.
