WorldSkills Lyon 2024 opens with 1,400 competitors eyeing the medals

The 47th WorldSkills Competition officially kicked off in Lyon, France, on Tuesday, bringing together 1,400 competitors from 69 countries and regions. French President Emmanuel Macron inaugurated the event, which is expected to draw 250,000 participants, including those attending the competition, ceremonies, and city-wide activities for WorldSkills Lyon 2024.

One of the most eagerly anticipated moments, the Parade of Nations, set a vibrant and inspiring tone for the evening. Teams from every country and region marched with pride, greeted by rapturous applause from the audience. As the final team took its place, the diversity and strength of the WorldSkills community were fully on display.

China, a regular participant in the biennial competition, is making its seventh appearance this year, fielding 68 competitors with an average age of 22. China has the highest number of competition categories among all participating countries.

The Chinese team will compete in all 59 skill areas, spanning six major categories: information and communication technology, transportation and logistics, manufacturing and engineering technology, construction and building technology, creative arts and fashion, and social and personal services.

Max Roche, president of WorldSkills Lyon 2024, highlighted the four core values of WorldSkills —excellence, generosity, openness, and unity. He said: "We believe that everything is possible with skills. This competition is all about sharing — sharing skills, knowledge, happiness, and success. We want to welcome everyone, no matter where they come from."

WorldSkills President Chris Humphries and WorldSkills Champions Trust representative for Asia Shweta Ratanpura delivered a joint opening speech. Ratanpura competed at WorldSkills Kazan 2019 in Graphic Design Technology and became the first Indian woman to win a WorldSkills medal.

She encouraged competitors to seize the moment. "I ask you to make a commitment right now to pay it forward," she said. "Take all the advantages you've been given and make the WorldSkills movement even stronger. Make your mark and pursue excellence in everything you do."

Humphries echoed her sentiments, saying, "Whatever country we come from and however different our journeys have been, each of you shares the ambition to imagine a better way forward and the determination to lead us toward a more secure, equitable, and sustainable planet."

The spotlight then turned to President Macron, who officially declared the 47th WorldSkills Competition open.

Running through Sept 15, this event, often referred to as the "Olympics of Skills", is the world's largest vocational education and skills competition, showcasing excellence across a wide range of trades.