STEM Education High-Level Seminar (referred to as the Seminar) and the inaugural board meeting of the International STEM Education Institute (referred to as the Institute) opened in Shanghai on May 14, marking the official launch of the International STEM Education Institute.

STEM is the acronym for the four disciplines of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. On September 21, 2025, the UNESCO International STEM Education Institute was officially established in Shanghai. This is a Category 1 center of UNESCO and the first global Category 1 center located outside of Europe and North America.

The Secretary-General of the Chinese National Commission for UNESCO stated that the Seminar invites top global STEM scientists, board members of the Institute, and representatives of teachers and students from higher education institutions, primary and secondary schools to conduct in-depth discussions on the future development of STEM education and international cooperation. This aims to further clarify the direction and strategy of STEM education development as humanity enters the intelligent era, provide strategic advice for the future development of the Institute, and jointly support the Institute’s high-level operation from its start.

It is understood that China has long placed great emphasis on developing STEM education, providing solid talent support for national development. China is committed to building a collaborative and coherent education system, creating an open and integrated curriculum ecosystem and teaching methods, strengthening literacy-oriented teaching research and comprehensive evaluation, focusing on diverse resource development and environmental construction, and promoting high-quality and efficient teacher development as well as home-school-community collaborative education.

It is reported that schools across China are actively engaged in reform and exploration of STEM education in the new era, which will provide important practical support for the development of the International STEM Education Institute.

Shanghai

Shanghai is a major global financial hub and one of China’s most populous cities, known for its modern skyline along the Huangpu River. Historically, it grew rapidly in the 19th and early 20th centuries as a treaty port, becoming a center for international trade and culture. Today, it blends this rich history with cutting-edge architecture, including landmarks like the Bund and the Oriental Pearl Tower.

Shanghai

Shanghai is a major global financial hub and one of China’s largest cities, located on the eastern coast at the mouth of the Yangtze River. Its history as a prominent port dates back to the 19th century, when it opened to foreign trade following the Treaty of Nanking in 1842, leading to the establishment of international concessions that shaped its unique blend of Eastern and Western architecture and culture. Today, Shanghai is renowned for its modern skyline, historic Bund waterfront, and vibrant cultural scene, reflecting its rapid development from a fishing village into a world-class metropolis.