During the 42nd Session of the UNESCO General Conference in Paris, a resolution was passed to create the UNESCO International Institute for STEM Education (IISTEM) in Shanghai. This marks the first instance of a UNESCO Category 1 Institute for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics being established in China.
In the session held on November 9, representatives from various countries and regions expressed their views, setting a new record for the number of members discussing a single agenda item at the UNESCO General Conference. They applauded China’s efforts, recognizing them as a significant step toward realizing the Education 2030 Agenda.
Huai Jinpeng, China’s education minister and head of the Chinese delegation, assured full cooperation with the secretariat to implement the resolution. He highlighted that the IISTEM is anticipated to bring together global expertise and resources, advancing STEM education and contributing to the achievement of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
The UNESCO IISTEM becomes the 10th Category 1 Institute established by UNESCO worldwide and the first of its kind established outside of Europe and the Americas.
In the era of the global technological revolution, the IISTEM aims to promote inclusive, equitable, relevant, and high-quality STEM education for all age groups. Additionally, it will function as an information exchange center, a network hub, a resource base, and a capacity-building focal point in STEM education.
