Global STEM education is receiving a new international platform through the UNESCO International Institute for STEM Education, known as IISTEM. Established in Shanghai in 2026, the institute aims to support inclusive and quality STEM education from early childhood through adulthood. 

The institute is designed to promote research, knowledge exchange, resource sharing and capacity development. Its work is intended to support education systems seeking stronger approaches to science, technology, engineering and mathematics education. 

Creating a Global STEM Education Platform 

Global STEM education involves different education systems, communities and learning needs. An international platform can help educators and researchers exchange experiences and develop approaches that can be adapted to different contexts. 

IISTEM is intended to serve as a collaborative platform for research and knowledge sharing. Its work can help connect education professionals working on STEM curriculum, teaching methods and innovation. 

This international cooperation can strengthen international STEM education by allowing successful approaches to be studied, adapted and shared across different regions. 

Supporting STEM Research 

STEM research plays an important role in improving how science and technology are taught. Research can help educators understand how students learn, which teaching approaches encourage participation and how STEM education can respond to changing social and technological needs. 

IISTEM has been established with a mandate that includes catalysing innovative research in STEM education. The institute is also expected to support knowledge exchange and the sharing of educational resources. 

Strengthening STEM research can help education systems move beyond isolated classroom initiatives. Evidence and shared experience can inform broader curriculum development and teacher preparation. 

Building Teacher Capacity 

Teachers are central to effective global STEM education. Even advanced equipment and digital resources have limited educational value when educators do not receive suitable preparation. 

STEM teacher training can help educators develop stronger approaches to experiments, problem-solving, technology integration and interdisciplinary learning. 

The institute’s mandate includes capacity development, creating opportunities for educators and institutions to strengthen their STEM teaching practices. 

Teacher development can also help schools respond to emerging technologies. Educators need opportunities to understand new tools while maintaining a strong focus on scientific reasoning and meaningful learning. 

Promoting Inclusive STEM Learning 

Inclusive STEM learning is another important part of the institute’s work. UNESCO states that priority will be given to Africa, least developed countries and small island developing states, alongside initiatives supporting girls and women in STEM. 

This focus recognises that access to STEM education is not equal across all communities. Students may face differences in educational resources, teacher availability, infrastructure and opportunities for practical learning. 

International STEM education can become more inclusive when these differences are considered during programme design and resource development. 

Connecting STEM Education Across Ages 

Global STEM education is not limited to secondary school. IISTEM’s mandate covers learners from early childhood through adulthood, reflecting the growing recognition that STEM learning can develop progressively throughout education. 

Early exposure can encourage curiosity, while later education can build technical knowledge and research capabilities. Adult learning can support continued development as technology and professional requirements change. 

This broader approach allows STEM education to be viewed as a continuing learning pathway rather than a subject limited to a particular stage of schooling. 

Strengthening International Collaboration 

The establishment of IISTEM provides an international space for educators, researchers and institutions to collaborate on STEM education. Its focus on research, knowledge exchange and capacity development could support the development of new approaches across different education systems. 

As global STEM education continues to evolve, international cooperation can help ensure that innovation is accompanied by inclusion, teacher preparation and evidence-based practice. 

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