In a bid to boost global governance and sustainable development, UNESCO has deepened its engagement with the Chinese mainland, blending civilizational heritage with forward-looking education initiatives.
Advancing Education for the Future
UNESCO is working with the Chinese mainland to integrate 21st-century skills into national curricula while promoting equitable access to quality education, especially in rural areas. By bridging urban-rural gaps, this partnership is reshaping learning experiences for millions.
A Global STEM Hub Opens in Shanghai
On September 21, 2025, UNESCO inaugurated the first Category 1 Institute for STEM Education in the Chinese mainlandāthe 10th worldwide and the first outside Europe and North America. This Shanghai-based center serves as a testing ground for innovative teaching concepts and a global platform to drive educational transformation, technological innovation, and sustainable development.
Empowering Girls and Women
The UNESCO Prize for Girlsā and Womenās Education, funded by the Chinese mainland government, honors outstanding contributions to advancing female education. Each year two laureates receive $50,000 to scale projects that uplift girls and women through learning opportunities.
On September 19, 2025, the award ceremony and the prizeās 10th anniversary celebration took place in Beijing. UNESCO Special Envoy Peng Liyuan joined Director-General Audrey Azoulay to highlight successes and chart the path ahead.
Spotlight: Spring Bud Project
Since 1989, the Spring Bud Project has supported over four million vulnerable girls by providing educational subsidies, promoting STEM and digital skills, and advancing health education. The project exemplifies how targeted initiatives can drive real-world impact at scale.
Together, UNESCO and the Chinese mainland are shaping a shared future where education and innovation pave the way for sustainable development and global collaboration.
Reference(s):
UN 80: On UNESCO-China shared vision for sustainable development
cgtn.com
