Suriname is exploring whether vocational training institutes can participate in the next WorldSkills Competition, which is expected to take place in Japan in 2028. Deputy Minister Raj Jadnanansing of Volksgezondheid, Welzijn en Arbeid (VWA, Public Health, Welfare and Labour) expressed that wish during a meeting with WorldSkills president Francis Hourant in Shanghai.
Jadnanansing took part in the WorldSkills Conference 2026 from September 22 to 27. It was held alongside the 48th WorldSkills Competition, where, according to the ministry, more than 1,400 participants from over 70 countries and regions demonstrated their skills in 64 fields. These included electrical engineering, woodworking, cooking and hospitality work.
According to the ministry, participation in a future competition would give Surinamese skilled workers the opportunity to test their skills internationally and exchange experiences. The Stichting Arbeidsmobilisatie en Ontwikkeling (SAO) and the Stichting Hospitality and Tourism Training Centre (SHTTC) are mentioned as institutions that could be involved. No decision on participation has yet been announced.
During the conference, policymakers, companies and training institutions exchanged ideas about the future of technical and vocational education. It also addressed how artificial intelligence and other technologies can be used in vocational training.
VWA wants to use the insights gained to better align training programmes with the needs of the Surinamese labour market. SAO provides vocational training; SHTTC focuses on training for the hospitality and tourism sector.
