The 26th China Annual Conference & Expo for International Education (CACIE 2025) officially commenced in Beijing on October 30, 2025. This significant event, recognized as one of the Asia-Pacific region’s most influential educational gatherings, attracted over 5,000 education professionals from more than 70 countries. The conference aims to address critical global educational challenges under the theme “Bridging Education and Beyond.”
Key Themes and Initiatives Highlighted
Hosted by the China Education Association for International Exchange (CEAIE), CACIE 2025 featured a diverse range of activities, including over 100 bilateral and multilateral sessions. These included plenary sessions, parallel forums, collaborative dialogues, and exhibitions designed to foster dialogue and partnership among global education stakeholders.
In his opening remarks, China’s Minister of Education, HUAI Jinpeng, emphasized education’s transformative potential in addressing global issues. He asserted, “We must respond to the world’s pressing questions with the power of education.” He proposed three pivotal initiatives aimed at enhancing the educational landscape: ensuring inclusive and equitable education for a sustainable world, embracing innovation to invigorate education, and fostering inclusive communities through collaborative learning.
Alongside the main plenary discussions, CACIE 2025 hosted 39 parallel forums focusing on various aspects of education, including higher education, vocational training, and basic education. Topics such as digital transformation, student mobility, and global cooperation were at the forefront of these discussions, allowing participants to explore innovative approaches to contemporary educational challenges.
Outcomes and Future Collaborations
The conference also marked the launch of the 2025 China Education Expo Pavilions, with representatives from 18 countries participating. Additionally, networking activities and B2B sessions facilitated through CACIE CONNECT enabled institutions to seek new partnerships, enhancing opportunities for collaboration.
Significantly, CACIE 2025 saw the release of 25 major education reports and the signing of 42 cooperation agreements. These agreements encompass joint degree programs, digital education initiatives, vocational training, and student exchange programs, all aimed at promoting educational openness and practical global partnerships.
This year, New Zealand was honored as the Country of Honor, reflecting the strong educational ties between China and New Zealand. Shane Reti, New Zealand’s Minister for Universities and Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology, highlighted the importance of education in strengthening bilateral relations. He stated, “This visit builds on the positive momentum from Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s visit to China in June, and it’s a great opportunity to strengthen our collaboration even further.” Minister Reti noted that the two nations are expanding their educational links through student exchanges, joint research, and institutional partnerships in science and innovation, delivering tangible benefits to both countries.
The discussions and agreements emerging from CACIE 2025 are poised to significantly impact the future of international education, fostering collaboration that transcends borders and enhances the global educational framework.
