Shanghai is actively working towards establishing the UNESCO International Institute for STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) within the city, as shared by Shanghai Vice Mayor Xie Dong during the 2024 World Digital Education Conference. The institute, designated as China's inaugural UNESCO Category-1 organization, will be situated along the Huangpu River waterfront in Xuhui District. Xie highlighted the district's abundance of cultural and commercial complexes, convenient public transportation, and a cluster of high-tech companies specializing in artificial intelligence, electronic information, modern biomedicine, and nanomaterials. Additionally, she underscored the presence of exceptional schools in the area, boasting a strong foundation in STEM education and a decade-long history of offering diverse scientific and engineering courses, covering life, physical, environmental, and space sciences. These schools have developed nearly 40 transdisciplinary STEM programs.
Xie mentioned that the construction of the building is finished, and the current focus is on design and decoration to convert it into a versatile space for research, offices, exhibitions, meetings, and interactions. She emphasized that upon the institute's commencement of operations, the city will collaborate closely with it on various aspects of STEM education, including curriculum development, textbook creation, education administration, and teacher training. Shanghai is committed to sharing its achievements in STEM education with the global community, recognizing the significance of cultivating forward-thinking talent in the evolving landscape of science, technology innovation, and industrial transformation. Since 2014, the city has actively promoted the inclusion of STEM-related courses in schools to enhance students' engineering and problem-solving capabilities.
Over 600 schools have implemented STEM education methodologies via project-based learning initiatives. Shanghai is committed to actively addressing UNESCO's initiatives related to Africa's priorities and gender equality. Additionally, the city aims to enhance cooperation and exchanges with Africa and small island nations in the realm of STEM education. Xie expressed confidence in Shanghai's ability to offer substantial assistance to the UNESCO International Institute for STEM and contribute to the attainment of the United Nations Sustainable Development goals.
