Chongqing held a citywide education conference on Nov. 19 to implement the guidance of General Secretary Xi Jinping’s keynote speech at the National Education Conference and accelerate efforts to build Chongqing into a strong education hub. Yuan Jiajun, Secretary of the Chongqing Municipal CPC Committee, Huai Jinpeng, Minister of Education, and other municipal and national leaders attended the event. Hu Henghua, Mayor of Chongqing, presided over the meeting.
Secretary Yuan emphasized the need for the city to thoroughly implement the guiding principles of the 20th CPC National Congress and the Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, as well as General Secretary Xi Jinping’s significant directives and addresses on education. He stressed that Chongqing will adhere to the “Two Major Orientations” strategy and prioritize the people’s demand for high-quality education. As part of this effort, Chongqing will establish itself as a dynamic hub for basic education in Western China, a major base for vocational education, and a pilot zone for higher education reform in the country. He called for efforts to integrate education, science, and talent development and promote the modernization of education, setting a benchmark for inland regions in educational openness and collaboration. Specifically, Yuan highlighted the following key tasks: (1) strengthening moral education while developing a well-rounded education system; (2) enhancing the integration of education, technology, and talent cultivation to build a robust pool of high-performing engineers and skilled professionals; (3) addressing educational inequities to ensure no child is left behind; (4) advancing comprehensive education reform to increase development momentum; (5) developing a high-caliber teaching workforce while fostering a culture of respect for educators; and (6) ensuring school safety and student well-being by enhancing governance systems.
Minister Huai stressed the need to recognize the elevated role of education in national development and foster a better understanding of current external and internal challenges, such as changes in national strategic goals, the global political landscape, and revolutions in technology and industry. He urged the Chongqing education sector to adapt to these circumstances with a modern perspective and prioritize system-wide integration and targeted breakthroughs in building a leading city in education. He also outlined the following requirements: (1) reinforcing moral education; (2) achieving breakthroughs in foundational and interdisciplinary research, propelling top-level talent development, and promoting the application and transfer of HEI research results; (3) driving educational reforms based on equity; and (4) facilitating the development of teachers by raising their political, social, and occupational status.
During his stay in Chongqing, Huai visited Yangjiaping Middle School to inspect school safety, food safety, and the management of meal budgets.
