President of the National University of Skills Delivered Opening Speech at BRICS Vocational Education and Innovation Forum

As part of an official visit to China, Dr. Gholamreza Zamani, President of the National University of Skills (NUS), delivered the opening remarks at the BRICS Working Group Meeting on Skills Development, Applied Technology, and Innovation, held in Xiamen on June 6, 2025.

This high-level international forum gathered senior representatives from BRICS member countries — Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa — to discuss the integration of robotics technology innovation with vocational education and to explore avenues for joint educational and technological initiatives.

In his opening speech, Dr. Zamani stated:

“To ensure sustainable growth and reduce skill gaps, international cooperation in advanced technologies—particularly artificial intelligence and robotics—is essential. The National University of Skills in Iran is ready to work closely with global partners, including the BRICS Academy, to shape the future of vocational education.”

Other prominent opening speakers included:

• Ms. Alina Douskanova, Head of the Russian Working Group on Skills

• Mr. Mapul Naniyawa, Head of the South African Working Group on Skills

• Mr. Valerio Junior Piana, Representative of Brazil

• Mr. Teri Mompone Iskandar, Head of the Indonesian Working Group on Skills

• Dr. Liu Zhenning, President of the BRICS Skills Academy (China)

• Prof. Zhou Wei, Chair of the International Society for Smart Manufacturing (Singapore)

• Dr. Abdolhossein Nazarian, Director General of International Affairs at the National University of Skills, Iran

This significant international participation demonstrated Iran’s growing role in shaping global discussions on vocational education, innovation, and international standards for workforce skills.