Have you ever wondered how educational cooperation can bridge nations and foster lasting partnerships? In Guiyang, China, a remarkable gathering recently demonstrated the transformative power of cross-border learning initiatives, bringing together minds from across Asia to chart the future of regional collaboration.
China-ASEAN Education Cooperation Week 2025 Strengthens Regional Partnerships in Guizhou
On July 26, the opening ceremony of the 2025 China-ASEAN Education Cooperation Week (CAECW) took place at its permanent venue in Gui’an New Area, Guiyang, Guizhou. This prestigious event was co-hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Education, and the People’s Government of Guizhou Province, underscoring its significance at the highest governmental levels.
Smart Education Takes Center Stage
The 2025 CAECW ran from July 24 to 27, embracing the compelling theme “Smart Education Empowering People-to-People Exchanges, Educational Cooperation Enhancing Common Development.” This year’s edition placed particular emphasis on showcasing the remarkable achievements of China-ASEAN cultural and people-to-people exchanges. Meanwhile, organizers worked to enhance the platform functions of CAECW and deepen innovative models of “Education+” projects.
The event aimed to attract broader participation from ASEAN countries and Belt and Road partners. As a result, it was expected to establish a brand for large-scale, impactful China-ASEAN educational and cultural exchange programs, contributing significantly to building a closer China-ASEAN community with a shared future.
Impressive Scale of Activities and Expected Outcomes
The scope of the 2025 CAECW was truly remarkable, featuring a total of 116 activities. Of these, 19 events were staged during the opening period, while 97 activities will take place throughout the remainder of the year. For example, organizers expected over 60 agreements or memorandums to be signed, demonstrating the concrete nature of these diplomatic efforts.
Furthermore, the week was projected to yield substantial institutional developments. These included the establishment of 8 joint overseas industry colleges or research institutes, along with 6 internship and training bases. Additionally, 3 high-level vocational education communities or industry-education alliances would be formed. Perhaps most significantly, it was expected that 1,100 international youth would come to Guizhou for study tours and exchange visits, representing a massive influx of young talent and fresh perspectives.
A Platform with Proven Track Record
As the only intergovernmental exchange and cooperation platform between China and ASEAN dedicated to education, the CAECW has been successfully held 18 times. Through faculty and student exchanges, youth dialogues, and cultural immersion programs, CAECW has increasingly become an important international platform for strengthening people-to-people ties between China and ASEAN.
Moreover, it has served as a vital bridge for fostering mutual understanding and friendship among the younger generation and deepening mutual trust at the grassroots level. This approach aligns with broader international education cooperation trends that prioritize sustained relationship-building over short-term exchanges.
Evolution Beyond Traditional Educational Exchange
With a focus on integrating education with culture, tourism, sports, scientific innovation, industry, business, and trade, CAECW has evolved considerably over the years. The platform has grown from an initial venue for exchanging educational ideas into a comprehensive platform for multi-level and wide-ranging cooperation in both cultural and economic fields.
Consequently, it has created a series of influential branded initiatives, made significant contributions to bilateral relations, and played a positive role in building a closer China-ASEAN community with a shared future. This holistic approach reflects the ASEAN commitment to comprehensive educational development across multiple sectors.
Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, CAECW will further deepen the principles of openness, inclusiveness, and win-win cooperation. The initiative will align closely with regional development trends and the educational needs of young talent, continuously expanding areas of cooperation while exploring innovative “Education+” cooperation models.
Building on the valuable experience of the past 18 editions, CAECW will move forward with greater vision, further enhancing its influence and injecting sustained vitality into the creation of a more resilient China-ASEAN community with a shared future.
The 2025 China-ASEAN Education Cooperation Week in Guizhou represents more than just another diplomatic gathering—it embodies a vision where educational collaboration becomes the foundation for lasting regional prosperity. With over 1,100 young participants expected and dozens of institutional partnerships on the horizon, this initiative demonstrates how strategic educational cooperation can create ripple effects that extend far beyond classrooms. As we witness these partnerships unfold, consider how your own educational or professional networks might contribute to similar cross-cultural understanding and cooperation.
