Inside UNESCO’s International Institute for STEM Education in Shanghai

UNESCO describes the institute as a platform for knowledge exchange and collaborative research that can help countries strengthen STEM education systems and build stronger innovation ecosystems.

Why UNESCO Chose China—and Shanghai

UNESCO officials described China as a "natural" location for the institute due to the country’s growing role in global science, technology, and education. Shanghai in particular reflects sustained investment in innovation, research, and talent development.

Placing the institute in China also reflects a broader shift in global research and technology capacity toward Asia. The idea is that experiences from China’s rapidly expanding STEM ecosystem can help inform policy and cooperation with other countries seeking to strengthen their own science and technology education systems.

The decision also marks a milestone in UNESCO–China collaboration on global education initiatives.

What “Category 1” Means in UNESCO’s System

IISTEM is designated as a Category 1 institute, a status that carries special significance within UNESCO.

Category 1 institutes are:

• Institutionally and legally part of UNESCO
• Integrated into the organization’s official programme and budget
• Managed under UNESCO’s governance and rules

This distinguishes them from Category 2 centres, which operate under UNESCO’s auspices but are legally independent organizations that collaborate with the agency.

Because of this status, Category 1 institutes typically serve as global reference centres in their fields, providing research, expertise, and policy guidance to UNESCO member states.

IISTEM is also notable because it is the first UNESCO Category 1 institute established in China and one of only about ten worldwide.

How the Institute Will Support Global STEM Education

The institute’s primary mission is to strengthen STEM education systems around the world—especially in countries with limited resources or technical capacity.

Its work will focus on several areas:

Global policy and standards

IISTEM will help develop international frameworks for STEM education and support governments with policy analysis and advice. This includes helping countries design national STEM strategies and competency frameworks.

Teacher training and curriculum development

A major emphasis will be building educator capacity, including improved teacher training, modern curricula, and better educational planning.

International research and knowledge sharing

The institute will facilitate collaborative research and create platforms for countries to exchange best practices in STEM education.

Reducing global STEM education gaps

UNESCO has identified Africa, least developed countries, and small island developing states as priority beneficiaries of the institute’s work.

These countries often face major barriers such as limited resources, shortages of STEM teachers, and gaps in technical infrastructure. UNESCO defines least developed countries as low‑income nations highly vulnerable to economic and environmental shocks, many of them located in Africa.

By providing policy support, training programs, and international partnerships, the institute aims to help these countries strengthen their education systems and develop the scientific and technical skills needed for sustainable development.

Why the Institute Matters

The launch of IISTEM reflects a broader global effort to close gaps in science and technology education. As economies become more technology‑driven, disparities in STEM learning can widen economic and innovation gaps between countries.

By acting as a global reference centre for STEM education policy, research, and collaboration, UNESCO hopes the Shanghai institute will help countries build stronger talent pipelines and expand access to high‑quality science and technology education worldwide.