At the 216th session of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Executive Board held in Paris on May 22, a resolution was unanimously passed to establish a category 1 institute in Shanghai to expand STEM education.

Members of the Executive Board recognized and applauded China’s support for UNESCO, noting that this type of institution will bolster UNESCO’s position as a global leader in advancing STEM education. They expressed confidence that the institute would play a crucial role in helping UNESCO accomplish its mission and achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. Delegates also extended their warm congratulations to the head of the Chinese delegation, Chen Jie, China’s Vice Minister of Education and Director of the Chinese National Commission for UNESCO.

In his speech, Chen described the resolution as a historic landmark. He affirmed that China would follow through on its commitments and implement the resolution in collaboration with the Secretariat, and he extended his deepest gratitude and respect to all UNESCO Members and the Secretariat.

Category 1 institutes are crucial to UNESCO’s mission. They act as incubators for new ideas and serve as standard-setters, facilitators of international cooperation, hubs for information sharing, and capacity builders within their respective areas of competence. As per UNESCO rules, the resolution on setting up a category 1 institute in China will be submitted to the Membership for final approval at the 42nd session of UNESCO this November. If approved, the institute will be the first UNESCO category 1 center in China and the first outside Europe.