WorldSkills Europe General Assembly 2024 concludes in Luxembourg
The annual series of strategic meetings brought together WorldSkills Europe Members, Sponsors, and Partners in Luxembourg from 4 to 7 June 2024.
The WorldSkills Europe General Assembly Luxembourg 2024 has concluded after a two-day series of strategic meetings and discussions under the theme “Skills Shape Your Future”, reflecting WorldSkills Luxembourg’s dedication to fostering skills development, promoting vocational education, and championing the next generation of skilled professionals.
The General Assembly 2024 was hosted by WorldSkills Luxembourg and the Luxembourgish Ministry of Education, Children and Youth.
Planning for future Competitions was a key focus on Day 1, in addition to meetings of the Strategy Working Group, Competition Committee, and Sponsors and Partners. Members also heard from European Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights, Nicolas Schmit, who greeted participants via a video link.
EuroSkills Herning 2025: 15 months to go
The EuroSkills Herning 2025 team presented an update on all aspects of the ninth edition of the event, including details of the Competition Preparation Meeting – which is confirmed for 28–31 January 2025.
WorldSkills Lyon 2024: T-minus 95 days
The WorldSkills Lyon 2024 team shared details about the final preparations for the 47th WorldSkills Competition, which begins in only 95 days, including information about the WorldSkills Conference 2024.
EuroSkills Düsseldorf 2027
The General Assembly 2024 also received an update on plans for EuroSkills Düsseldorf 2027, and WorldSkills Poland presented a final report about EuroSkills Gdańsk 2023.
Welcoming new Sponsors and Partners
WorldSkills Europe Sponsors and Partners were also present in Luxembourg, providing their perspectives on the future demands for skilled talent in industry.
Festool and PPG were officially welcomed as the newest Premium Sponsors of WorldSkills Europe, although both companies already have a long-standing commitment to the WorldSkills movement as partners of competitions on many levels.
Switzerland chosen as host of 11th EuroSkills Competition in 2029
The highlight of the General Assembly 2024 was, without doubt, the moment that Switzerland’s bid to host the 11th edition of EuroSkills in the city of Geneva in 2029 was approved by WorldSkills Europe Members. The result sparked scenes of jubilation among the Swiss delegation and WorldSkills Europe Members applauded and cheered.
EuroSkills Geneva 2029 is expected to take place in September of 2029 at the Palexpo Geneva and the Geneva Arena.
Welcoming the newest Member of WorldSkills Europe
The General Assembly 2024 also formally ratified the entry of the newest Member of WorldSkills Europe, Serbia.
Board election and new Chair of the Board
The General Assembly appointed Erik van der Zwan, WorldSkills Netherlands Official Delegate (pictured, below left), as a new Member of the Board, and WorldSkills Europe bid a fond farewell to Guillaume Suteau, of France (pictured, below right) departing Chair of the Board, who has completed his nine-year term as Board Member.
Ben Blackledge of the UK, (pictured, below centre) current WSE Board Member, was selected as the new Chair of the Board, with Erik appointed as Board Member responsible for Member Engagement, and Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.
Remembering Terry Cooke
The General Assembly also offered a moment’s silence in memory of Terry Cooke, former Treasurer and Board Secretary, and Board Member of WorldSkills International, who sadly passed away on 4 October 2023. At the WorldSkills International General Assembly 2023, Terry was recognised with the WorldSkills Fellowship for his immeasurable efforts in support of young people pursuing skills excellence.
General Assembly 2025
The next WorldSkills Europe General Assembly will take place in Herning, Denmark, during EuroSkills Herning 2025 (9-13 September 2025).