Jointly Building an International Talent Ecosystem: UNESCO-ICHEI and SZCECA Signed Strategic Cooperation Agreement
On April 9, 2026, the International Centre for Higher Education Innovation under the auspices of UNESCO (UNESCO-ICHEI) and the Shenzhen Cross-Border E-Commerce Association (SZCECA) officially signed a Strategic Cooperation Framework Agreement at the Convention Centre of Southern University of Science and Technology. The two parties engaged in in-depth discussions on topics including "AI + Cross-border E-commerce" talent cultivation, curriculum system development, expert resource integration, curriculum localization, and the construction of training centre, reaching multiple areas of cooperation.
Professor LI Ming, Founding Director of UNESCO-ICHEI and Secretary-General of the IIOE Secretariat, SUN Xiangyang, Chair of the Cross-Border E-Commerce Professional Committee of the Chinese Society of Customs, BI Xiaohan, Deputy Director of UNESCO-ICHEI, along with WANG Xin, President of SZCECA, DING Lingling, Executive Secretary-General, YU Liuchang, Chief Researcher of the Zhongzhi Research Institute, among others, attended and witnessed the signing ceremony.
The Two Parties Sign a Strategic Cooperation Agreement
The AI + Cross-border E-commerce Micro-certification Programme, serving as the entry point, became a key focus. Professor LI Ming noted that the programme is the first of its kind within the UNESCO framework to integrate AI with cross-border e-commerce applications on a global scale, holding significant demonstrative value. He expressed hope that through an international and standardized micro-certification system, the programme would cultivate professional cross-border e-commerce talent in the global south, support local industrial development, and facilitate connectivity within the global cross-border e-commerce talent system.
BI Xiaohan introduced UNESCO-ICHEI's overseas higher education cooperation network. She stated that UNESCO-ICHEI has launched multiple "AI + industry" initiatives, with "AI + Cross-border E-commerce" being one of the key priorities. By integrating global quality educational resources and technological practices, UNESCO-ICHEI is committed to building a new ecosystem for cultivating international talent, providing sustainable talent support for the digital economic development of various countries.
Remarks by Bi Xiaohan, Deputy Director of UNESCO-ICHEI
SUN Xiangyang offered suggestions from the perspectives of curriculum implementation and enterprise recognition. He pointed out that "AI + cross-border e-commerce" should be deeply aligned with the talent needs of enterprises across different countries. Integrating AI technology into curriculum design and practical components can effectively enhance learners' hands-on skills and employability. Shenzhen, as a global logistics and cross-border e-commerce hub, offers unique advantages for establishing an international training base, providing a high-quality practice platform for program participants.
Remarks by SUN Xiangyang, Chair of the Cross-Border E-Commerce Professional Committee of the Chinese Society of Customs
WANG Xin, President of SZCECA, introduced the association's network of 30 domestic and 35 overseas operation centres, as well as its industrial resources comprising 3,000 member companies. She noted that the cooperation between SZCECA and UNESCO-ICHEI would deeply integrate industry practices in cross-border e-commerce with the global higher education system, jointly fostering a new ecosystem for international talent cultivation. She also expressed SZCECA's support for the micro-certification programme in areas such as curriculum development, expert overseas visits, and training base construction.
Remarks by WANG Xin, President of SZCECA
As next steps, UNESCO-ICHEI will leverage the IIOE global higher education network to facilitate the localization, certification, and implementation of the curriculum, while SZCECA will bring its industrial resources and industry influence to bear, promoting precise alignment between course content and institutional needs.
This signing marks substantive progress for both parties in international cross-border e-commerce talent cultivation, standards co-construction, and global educational cooperation, injecting new momentum into global digital trade education partnerships.
The Shenzhen Cross-Border E-Commerce Association
Founded on May 20, 2014, the SZCECA has been deeply engaged in the cross-border sector for 11 years. It is a local, industry-specific, non-profit social organization of the highest rating (5A level). SZCECA is dedicated to fostering a positive atmosphere of fair competition within the cross-border e-commerce industry, strengthening cooperation between the association and enterprises, streamlining the cross-border industrial chain, and promoting the transformation and upgrading of traditional industries. It assists government agencies in understanding the latest industry information, actively explores and innovates industrial development models, and plays a leading role in the industry. The association develops industry standards and drives the pace of industrial economic growth. It is a full-ecosystem cross-border e-commerce industry organization composed of representative enterprises and groups from the global e-commerce sector. Its mission is to "connect cross-border professionals worldwide, build a cross-border ecosystem, and establish a new trade order." Its vision is "to become the most influential association in the world."
