The 2024 National Education Work Conference was held via video link in Beijing on Jan 11. Minister of Education Huai Jinpeng delivered a speech at the event.

In his speech, Huai highlighted the achievements of the education sector in 2023, the first year of economic recovery post-COVID-19, and in implementing guidelines set forth by the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China.

The minister recalled the ambitious goal of building China into an education powerhouse and a globally influential education center by 2035. He emphasized the importance of promoting the all-round development of students in terms of morality, intellectual, physical and artistic potential, and enthusiasm for engaging in physical labor. He especially stressed the need to cultivate high caliber talent, particularly in science and technology, to protect China’s national interests.

Minister Huai stressed the need to build a top-notch education system that is uniquely Chinese, meets international standards, and supports China’s modernization goals. He also emphasized the importance of education in driving economic and social development, accelerating China’s modernization, and ensuring that everyone benefits equitably from the country’s progress.

The minister outlined seven key areas for improving the education system: strengthening the role of Chinese characteristics in the education system; enhancing the quality of textbooks; promoting employment opportunities for university graduates; deepening industry–education integration; fortifying basic education; boosting the adaptability and appeal of vocational education; digitalizing education and using smart technologies to guide reform; reinforcing international openness and educational cooperation; and cultivating a highly qualified teaching workforce.

Minister Huai also called for strengthened communication and coordination between the Ministry of Education, local education departments, and representatives of the National People’s Congress and the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference in order to gather feedback and gain support for educational reforms. He emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety of students traveling during winter break as well as those remaining on campus.

During the conference, education officials from eight provinces and municipalities, namely, Beijing, Tianjin, Liaoning, Shanghai, Shandong, Shaanxi, Ningxia, and Guangxi, shared their experiences and insights.