Thank you, Shanghai! You set the bar high
Stepping onto the vast floors of the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai) felt like walking into the future. For the first time in its history, Pakistan took its place among the world's finest young skilled professionals at the 48th WorldSkills Competition — an event that lived up to its reputation as the "Skills Olympics."
I traveled to Shanghai not simply as a visitor but as Head of Team Europe's TVET Sector Support Programme, implemented by GIZ Pakistan, working alongside the Government of Pakistan and international partners to strengthen the country's technical and vocational education and training system.
From Sept 22 to 27, the city pulsed with the energy of 1,385 competitors from 68 countries and regions, competing across 64 skills. For Pakistan, this was more than participation; it was a proud milestone. Our three young competitors, Mudassir Hussain in Electrical Installation, Mohid Mehboob in Cooking, and Nabeed ul Arfeen Memon in Graphic Design Technology, carried the national flag onto the global stage after rigorous national selection. Their presence alone marked a new chapter for technical and vocational education in Pakistan.
Pakistani delegation at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026. [Photo provided to iShanghai]
Having traveled to more than 35 countries through my work in skills development and labor market reform, I have had the opportunity to observe how industries, economies and skills systems are evolving across the world. Yet WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 offered perhaps the clearest glimpse of where the future of skills and work is headed.
What made the experience truly unforgettable, however, was not only the competition itself but the WorldSkills Conference that ran alongside it. Here, the real high-tech immersion began. Sessions and exhibitions showcased how artificial intelligence, automation, and digital technologies are reshaping every trade. I found myself fascinated by live demonstrations of unmanned aerial systems, advanced software testing, digital interactive media design, and smart manufacturing solutions.
Walking through the expo halls, one could see how traditional skills are evolving; electricians working with intelligent control systems, designers using immersive digital tools, and technicians programming autonomous equipment. These were not abstract concepts; they were practical, cutting-edge applications that will define the jobs of tomorrow. The conference reinforced a powerful message: skills development must keep pace with technological change, or risk being left behind.
Mansoor Khan interacts with an AGIBOT robot, one of the highlights of WorldSkills Shanghai 2026. [Photo provided to iShanghai]
Yet the most valuable lessons came not from machines but from people. Meeting experts, trainers, and competitors from every corner of the globe was an education in itself. Conversations with specialists from Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas opened windows into different approaches to training, assessment, and industry collaboration. Peer learning happened naturally, whether comparing teaching methods over coffee or discussing curriculum design during informal networking sessions.
These exchanges went far beyond technical knowledge. They built understanding, challenged assumptions, and created friendships that will outlast the event. In a world often divided, WorldSkills proved how shared professional passion can bridge cultures. Networking here was not transactional; it was genuine, rooted in mutual respect and a common belief in the power of skilled work.
Mansoor Khan poses for a group photo with local students at the competition site on Sept 23. [Photo provided to iShanghai]
Shanghai itself provided the perfect backdrop for this global gathering. The city is a breathtaking blend of the ultra-modern and the timeless. Standing by the Huangpu River at night, watching the Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai Tower, and the glittering Bund skyline reflected on the water, one cannot help but feel inspired. The city's seamless blend of historic architecture and futuristic ambition mirrors the spirit of WorldSkills itself — honoring craft while embracing innovation. Exploring its streets, tasting its cuisine, and experiencing its efficient infrastructure left a lasting impression: this is a city that works, dreams, and welcomes the world with open arms.
None of this magic would have been possible without the extraordinary efforts of the volunteers and the organising teams. From the moment of arrival to the closing ceremony, the volunteers worked tirelessly — guiding, translating, solving problems with patience and warmth, often late into the night. Their energy and kindness made every participant feel valued. The management of the entire event, from logistics to the seamless running of competitions and conferences, was nothing short of outstanding. Their professionalism and attention to detail set a gold standard that will be remembered long after the medals were awarded.
As the WorldSkills flag was passed to Japan for the 2028 edition in Aichi, Pakistan left Shanghai with more than memories. We returned with new ideas, stronger international connections, and renewed determination to elevate skills training at home. WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 was not just a competition; it was a powerful reminder that when young people from different nations come together to share knowledge, learn from one another, and celebrate excellence, the entire world becomes a little more skilled and a little more united.
Thank you, Shanghai! You have set the bar really high and above everything — you are an amazing host!
About the contributors:
Mansoor Zaib Khan is the Head of TVET sector programme, GIZ Pakistan.
The story was written by Fatima Javed, a freelance reporter from Pakistan, after an interview with Khan.
