Prime Highlights:
- UNESCO has appointed Professor Qun Chen as Assistant Director-General for Education, reinforcing its global leadership in the sector.
- His extensive experience in academia and governance is expected to drive inclusive and high-quality education worldwide.
Key Facts:
- Professor Chen has over 30 years of experience and served as President of East China Normal University, where he expanded global academic partnerships and student exchange programmes.
- He also held key public roles, including Deputy Mayor of Shanghai from 2017 to 2023, contributing to education policy and the development of UNESCO’s STEM initiatives.
Background:
UNESCO Director-General Khaled El-Enany has named Professor Qun Chen as Assistant Director-General for Education, boosting the organization’s capacity to advance education worldwide.
Professor Chen carries more than 30 years of expertise in teaching, government work and educational administration. Trained as a physicist, he started at East China Normal University, where he climbed the academic ladder to become a tenured professor early in his career.
He worked as Vice-President from 2003 to 2012, followed by President from 2012 to 2018. During these years, he helped expand international academic ties and student mobility programs.
Under his leadership, he spearheaded projects like creating an International Education Park, which deepened cooperation with universities around the world and drew more international students. His contributions also included managing a UNESCO Chair in Teacher Education and supporting educator training through cross-border collaboration efforts.
Professor Chen also worked in government as Deputy Mayor of Shanghai from 2017 to 2023. In that role, he oversaw education and social development. He played a role in establishing UNESCO’s International Institute for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.
In his new position, Professor Chen will focus on widening access to quality and inclusive education globally. His priorities are likely to include reinforcing education systems and preparing learners with abilities necessary for upcoming challenges.
His appointment signals UNESCO’s ongoing commitment to international partnerships and fresh approaches in the education sector. The move aims to drive progress in making learning opportunities more accessible and effective for all.
