A major global coalition of government policymakers, industry, and education leaders, and young people, convened to discuss the future of technical and vocational education training systems at the ongoing WorldSkills Competition in Lyon, France. 

The event highlighted the urgent need to equip young people with skills for an evolving and uncertain future.

The conference was opened by French Ministers Catherine Vautrin and Nicole Belloubet.

The President of WorldSkills, Chris Humphries, stressed the importance of prioritising skills development ahead of the UN Summit of the Future.

Global leaders, including representatives from the African Union, called for elevating TVET's status and ensuring adequate resources.

Key themes included gender equity, excellence in TVET, and shifting perceptions of vocational training. 

Speakers emphasised the potential of TVET to bridge gaps between jobs, skills, and aspirations while highlighting successful strategies to increase women's participation in STEM fields and improve quality assurance in vocational education systems worldwide.