The China International Conference on Basic Education kicked off on Saturday in Shanghai for a two-day session focused on artificial intelligence and its impact on learning worldwide.

The conference, centered on the theme "Artificial Intelligence Development and Educational Transformation: Challenges and Opportunities," drew educators, policymakers, and experts from around the world to discuss the future of education in the AI era.

The China International Conference on Basic Education opens in Shanghai, Dec. 13, 2025. [Photo courtesy of the Chinese Society of Education]

The Chinese Society of Education, Beijing Foreign Studies University, Shanghai Normal University and the Jiading districtpeople's government of Shanghai jointly hosted the event.

Key speakers included Zhu Zhiwen, president of the Chinese Society of Education; Wu Xinbao, vice chairman of the Shanghai Municipal Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference; and Sohail Shaikh, British deputy trade commissioner to China.

International organizations sent senior representatives, including Shahbaz Khan, director of the UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia; Amanda Bissex, UNICEF deputy representative for programs in China; Cristian Aedo, practice manager for education in East Asia and the Pacific at the World Bank; and Costanza Farina, acting director of the International Bureau of Education.

Ren Youqun, China's vice minister of education, delivered a video address at the opening ceremony. He highlighted the Chinese government's commitment to prioritizing education, demonstrated by continuous investment and reform.

In the context of AI-driven educational transformation, Ren emphasized three key principles. The first is upholding inclusive and equitable access, guided by the concept of "Digital for Good," to realize a learning society for all. The second is fostering innovation to cultivate a new generation's innovative spirit, transform teaching models, and drive digital and smart upgrades in education. The third is promoting openness and collaboration by taking part in global educational governance and building new platforms and avenues for international cooperation.

Ren also commended the Chinese Society of Education as a key driver of the nation's high-level educational exchanges.

Ren Youqun, China's vice minister of education, delivers a video address at the opening ceremony of the China International Conference on Basic Education in Shanghai, Dec. 13, 2025. [Photo courtesy of the Chinese Society of Education]

Zhu Zhiwen said AI is reshaping how people work, live and learn. He stated the conference would examine how AI can promote educational equity, transform teaching and learning, enhance school management and evaluation systems, and support teacher development. He expressed willingness to collaborate with global partners on educational research and reform.

Zhu Zhiwen, president of the Chinese Society of Education, speaks at the opening ceremony of the China International Conference on Basic Education in Shanghai, Dec. 13, 2025. [Photo courtesy of the Chinese Society of Education]

Wu Xinbao outlined Shanghai's efforts to build a high-quality, open and digitally empowered basic education system. He said hosting the conference acts as a catalyst for the city to deepen educational reform and international collaboration.

Wu Xinbao, vice chairman of the Shanghai Municipal Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, speaks at the opening ceremony of the China International Conference on Basic Education in Shanghai, Dec. 13, 2025. [Photo courtesy of the Chinese Society of Education]

Seven scholars and experts from China and abroad delivered keynote speeches on integrating AI with education.

A key outcome was the release of the Initiative on Leveraging Artificial Intelligence for Educational Innovation. The document calls for global action in six areas: proactively adopting technology, ensuring equitable access, enhancing governance, fulfilling educational missions, upholding ethical standards and fostering open cooperation.

Five parallel sessions covered AI for educational equity, teaching transformation, school management, educational evaluation and teacher empowerment.

The conference concluded Sunday with visits to schools and innovation centers in Jiading district, offering attendees firsthand insight into the integration of technology and education.

Nearly 400 participants attended, including officials from China's Ministry of Education and related institutions, provincial education department leaders, researchers, educators, and media representatives.