dynamics

New Strategies to Build a Strong Educational Nation from National Education Conference

At the National Education Conference held in September 2024, General Secretary Xi Jinping underscored the vital necessity of integrating education, innovation, and talent development strategies. This initiative aims to not only enhance the service orientation of education but also to effectively respond to the needs of the nation. Following this pivotal conference, the "Outline Plan for Building a Strong Education Country (2024-2035)" was released in October, which serves as a comprehensive framework for advancing education in China.

General Secretary Xi Jinping's address at the conference articulated critical questions regarding the construction of an educational powerhouse, laying out the reasons for pursuing this goal, defining the nature of the educational power to be built, and delineating the methods for achieving it. His speech constitutes a foundational document that directs the educational system's policy and practices moving forward, establishing the essential political tasks for educational authorities.

One key aspect emphasized during the conference was the need to understand the "three major attributes" of education—political, civic, and strategic. The political attribute addresses who to train and for what purpose, ensuring that future citizens remain loyal to the Party and the principles of socialism. Civic attributes highlight the essential role of education in promoting social equity and fostering values among students, while strategic attributes focus on the high-quality development of education that supports national modernization efforts.

Moreover, General Secretary Xi Jinping elaborated on the "six characteristics" that define a successful educational powerhouse: strong ideological and political guidance, competitive talent cultivation, robust scientific and technological support, social collaboration, livelihood security, and international influence. Each of these characteristics plays a crucial role in framing China's educational strategy and advancing its goals on both a national and global stage.

The implementation of an effective educational system necessitates the establishment of the "eight major systems" essential for comprehensive education reform. These systems encompass a range of components—from ideological education and basic education to vocational training and lifelong learning—each designed to integrate effectively and cater to a diverse range of educational needs across society.

Addressing the need for a cohesive educational strategy, General Secretary Xi Jinping identified "five major relationships" that must be skillfully managed. This includes ensuring alignment between educational strategies and national needs, facilitating holistic student development, and balancing the need for standards with the encouragement of creativity and initiative among educators and students alike.

Furthermore, Xi Jinping outlined "five major tasks" essential for building a strong educational nation, which include enhancing the moral compass in education, improving public education quality, developing a high-level teaching workforce, and establishing a globally influential educational center. These tasks highlight the overarching vision for integrating education with national rejuvenation and modernization plans.

The conference affirmed the role of education as foundational for national strength and social advancement, marking a pivotal moment in China's strategic focus on educational reform and innovation. By placing education at the core of its developmental agenda, the country aims to enhance its competitiveness in the global landscape.

In conclusion, the comprehensive understanding of education's transformative role and the strategic framework established by General Secretary Xi Jinping at the National Education Conference signal a new era in educational policy. The drive to build a strong educational nation is not merely about improving institutions; it is fundamentally about preparing future generations to meet the challenges of modernization and socio-economic development.