WorldSkills International, in agreement with WorldSkills Members, WorldSkills Shanghai 2022 Executive Bureau and WorldSkills China has announced the cancellation of WorldSkills Competition 2022 (WorldSkills Shanghai 2022).
Scheduled for October 12–17, the 46th WorldSkills Competition was originally planned for 2021 and was postponed in 2020 due to the pandemic. The current lockdowns in Shanghai and ongoing pandemic prevention and control restrictions in China make hosting the event not possible in 2022.
Following the decision, WorldSkills Members and Global Partners began discussions on alternative opportunities for the Competitors that were preparing for WorldSkills Competition 2022.
“It is with deep disappointment that we announce the cancellation of WorldSkills Shanghai 2022. Looking ahead to the future, we have no doubt that when China hosts a WorldSkills Competition, it will be extraordinary,” said Chris Humphries, President and Chair of the Board. “Alongside WorldSkills Members and Partners, we are working actively to develop alternative competitive arrangements to celebrate your skills in 2022. Look for announcements by the end of June 2022.”
Following the WorldSkills Competition in Lyon, France, in 2024, WorldSkills is considering bringing the WorldSkills Competition to Shanghai, China, in 2026, subject to the decision made by the Members at its General Assembly.
WorldSkills China expressed its regret for not being able to hold the Competition in 2022 as scheduled and is extremely grateful for the understanding and support of WorldSkills and its Members, Partners, and stakeholders. The aspiration and commitment of the Chinese side to support and participate in WorldSkills remains the same. WorldSkills China looks forward to the opportunity to develop and deliver the Competition in Shanghai in the future.