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Event Focuses on Building a Digitally Empowered Learning Society

The Ministry of Education recently convened an important event aimed at promoting the idea of a digitally empowered learning society. Held on June 26, 2025, at the National Open University, this gathering was part of a broader initiative to implement the directives of General Secretary Xi Jinping and the framework for establishing a robust educational nation. The purpose of the event was to transform the vision of a learning society into actionable plans and ensure the effective execution of a comprehensive three-year action plan.

During his address, Huai Jinpeng, the Party Secretary and Minister of the Ministry of Education, emphasized that the construction of a learning society is a critical goal set by the Party Central Committee. Since the 18th National Congress of the Party, there have been numerous significant statements from General Secretary Xi Jinping regarding this initiative, offering clear direction and foundational guidelines for its implementation. The recent 20th National Congress has further stressed the importance of digital education and the establishment of a society where lifelong learning is embraced by all.

Minister Huai Jinpeng underlined the need for a thorough understanding of global development trends and technological advancements, which are crucial for cultivating a learning society. He noted the importance of addressing demographic changes and the rising expectations for improving the population's quality. The rapid pace of knowledge evolution presents unique opportunities, alongside advancements in digital technologies which facilitate educational endeavors. The Ministry aims to leverage these digital tools to enhance the lifelong education system and to create a national platform that broadens access to quality learning resources.

In his speech, Huai Jinpeng detailed several key initiatives that aim to optimize the educational landscape. Among these is the establishment of a robust national smart education platform designed to enhance resource availability for lifelong learning. This platform seeks to tailor learning resources to individual needs, effectively merging personal interests with educational opportunities, thus nurturing a culture where learners contribute to a shared pool of high-quality educational resources.

Additionally, the Minister called for refining systems and policies that support the lifelong learning journey. He highlighted the importance of creating a cohesive social learning model that combines structured education with flexible and borderless learning paths. To foster a strong culture of lifelong learning, the Ministry plans to utilize big data and artificial intelligence to assess the diverse learning needs across different sectors, enriching learning scenarios and ensuring accessibility for everyone.

At the event, Wu Yan, a member of the Ministry's Party group and vice-minister, announced the commencement of a campaign to share valuable lifelong learning resources. The initiative also included the launch of pilot projects targeting the establishment of a digitally-enabled learning society. Furthermore, updates were shared regarding the enhancements to the National Smart Education Platform, stressing the integration of feedback from various educational institutions and local authorities.

The format of the event combined both online and offline participation, attracting attendees from various sectors, including representatives from the All-China Women's Federation, the China Association for Science and Technology, and several educational departments. The main venue hosted high-ranking officials from numerous governmental departments, while other attendees participated through branch locations. This hybrid approach underscored the event's commitment to inclusivity and widespread engagement.

Overall, the exhibit displayed recent accomplishments in establishing a learning society, showcasing collaborative efforts across different educational jurisdictions. The event not only marked a significant step towards actualizing a digitally empowered educational framework but also emphasized the importance of international cooperation in sharing best practices and experiences to enhance China's lifelong learning system.