From October 21 to 23, 2026, the 2026 World Science and Technology Development Forum, co-hosted by the China Association for Science and Technology and the People’s Government of Chongqing Municipality, was held in Chongqing. Under the theme “Co-evolution: Shaping a New Ecosystem for Future Industries,” the forum brought together representatives from science and technology, education, and industry worldwide to discuss technological innovation, industrial transformation, and international cooperation. Qiao Weifeng, Assistant Secretary-General of the UNESCO International Centre for Engineering Education (ICEE) and Associate Prefessor in Research at the School of Education, Tsinghua University, and Fu Jie, Assistant Research Fellow at ICEE and the School of Education, Tsinghua University, were invited to attend.

On October 21, the “Excellent Engineers Empowering the New Ecosystem Development of Future Industries Forum” was held in Chongqing. Under the theme “Industry-Education Integration to Cultivate Talent, International Collaboration to Promote Development,” the forum drew more than 100 representatives from engineering, education, and industry, both in China and abroad. Seng-Chuan Tan, President of the World Federation of Engineering Organizations (WFEO), attended and delivered remarks. Kai Sang Lock, Chair of the Washington Accord of the International Engineering Alliance, Moez Chakchouk, Executive Director of WFEO, and other representatives of international organizations and scholars exchanged views on engineering education reform, capacity building for engineers, and international mutual recognition.

Qiao Weifeng Delivers Keynote Address

Qiao Weifeng was invited to deliver a keynote address titled “Engineering Education Accreditation for the Future.” He noted that the global trend toward engineering that is “greener, smarter, more interdisciplinary, more innovative, and more humanistic” poses new challenges and requirements for engineering talent development. Engineers of every type carry the important mission of creating economic and social value through material and technological means in service of human well-being. As a quality assurance mechanism with a history of one hundred years, engineering education program accreditation now faces a historic transformation. It must shift from the traditional role of “guardian of standards” to a dual role as both “guardian of standards” and “driver of innovation.” While safeguarding the baseline quality of engineering education, accreditation should promote innovation through changes in mindset, standards-based leadership, and the building of an academic community, and provide full-cycle support for the lifelong learning and continuing professional development of engineering students and engineers.

During the conference, Qiao Weifeng and Fu Jie met with Lock Kai Sang, Chair of the Washington Accord of the International Engineering Alliance, and Moez Chakchouk, Executive Director of the World Federation of Engineering Organizations (WFEO), among others, to discuss recent developments in engineering education in China.

Photo with Washington Accord Chair Kai Sang Lock and Others

Qiao Weifeng and Fu Jie also visited the National Academy of Excellent Engineers at Chongqing University to learn about the academy’s practical explorations in training outstanding engineers and integrating industry and education.

During the conference, Qiao Weifeng was also interviewed by Chongqing Daily. He described progress in China’s reforms of joint university-industry training for master’s and doctoral engineering students, in engineering competency assessment, and in building a system for engineers’ continuing professional development. He also offered suggestions on improving the recognition of learning outcomes and strengthening links between academic degrees and certificates, professional qualifications, and professional titles. For details, please see the related report in Chongqing Daily.

This participation further strengthened ICEE’s ties with international engineering education organizations and experts. ICEE will continue to draw on its strengths as a platform for international cooperation and contribute to the innovative development of global engineering education.