The Second Plenary Meeting of the 2025 National Educational Work Conference (NEWC) was held on Jan. 10, marking the end of the two-day conference. Education Minister Huai Jinpeng hosted the event and delivered a speech.
Huai noted that the 2025 NEWC reviewed the achievements of national and local educational authorities last year and set priorities for educational planning this year. The conference called on participants to recognize education, science and technology, and high-caliber talent as the three pillars of China’s modernization drive. It urged them to carry out their tasks in 2025 in line with the Guidelines on Building China into a Leading Country in Education. The conference also suggested that educational authorities set specific targets and performance requirements to ensure effective completion of their work. In addition, it proposed developing guidelines to manage risk.
Huai also stressed the need to develop an ongoing process for modernizing the education system. He emphasized three key elements of this process. First, educational authorities should regularly analyze the domestic and international educational landscape based on a deep understanding of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. Second, they should push forward high-quality educational development, technological innovation, and cultivation of top-notch talent in an integrated way. Third, local educational authorities should carry out pilot projects on educational reform in their respective areas and implement the best practices identified.
Huai also emphasized the need for local educational authorities to maintain timely communication with National People’s Congress deputies and Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference members. In this way, the authorities can update deputies and members on educational reform and solicit their comments and suggestions. In addition, Huai said educational authorities should take measures to ensure the safety of students returning home for the Spring Festival holiday or staying on campus.