QAHE and CSCSS Sign MOU for Mutual Recognition, Supporting Innovation in Education Quality and Lifelong Learning

The International Association for Quality Assurance in Pre-Tertiary & Higher Education (QAHE) and the China Service Center for Scholarly Credit (CSCSS) have recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish a robust framework for mutual recognition and future collaboration—marking a significant milestone in advancing global educational quality and innovation.

CSCSS is the largest non-governmental organization in China dedicated to the evaluation and certification of returning international students. It is also a global pioneer in blockchain-based student information storage and learning outcomes recognition solutions. Its mission is deeply rooted in the lifelong learning principles advocated by UNESCO and the European Union.

In 1972, UNESCO published Learning to Be: The World of Education Today and Tomorrow (also known as the Faure Report), which systematically introduced the concept of lifelong education for the first time—emphasizing that education should not be limited to schooling but span a person’s entire life. In 1996, UNESCO’s Learning: The Treasure Within (also known as the Delors Report) further enriched this vision by outlining the four pillars of education: learning to know, learning to do, learning to live together, and learning to be. It advocated for the integration of non-formal and formal education—foundational ideas that have profoundly shaped CSCSS’s innovative approach.

Meanwhile, the European Union translated these concepts into actionable frameworks. In 2008, the EU launched the European Qualifications Framework (EQF)—a transnational system aimed at promoting mutual recognition across national education and training systems, with a strong emphasis on recognizing non-formal and informal learning. The EQF encouraged member states to establish systems of Recognition, Validation, and Accreditation (RVA) to convert work experience, training, and other informal learning into formal qualifications. In 2012, the Council Recommendation on the Validation of Non-formal and Informal Learning further advanced these efforts, urging member states to implement mechanisms to formally recognize non-formal learning outcomes by 2018. These international benchmarks have been a major source of inspiration for CSCSS’s pioneering initiatives.

Against this backdrop, the China Academy of Educational Sciences took the lead in introducing UNESCO and EU-backed learning standards into China. It became the first domestic institution committed to formally recording and converting non-formal and informal learning experiences—including work history, industry training, online courses, overseas internships, volunteer service, and entrepreneurship. Leveraging blockchain technology, the Academy has issued Ethereum-based digital certificates to over 400,000 users, enabling real-time verification of learning achievements and greatly enhancing efficiency. This groundbreaking initiative not only aligns with global educational trends but also brings transformative impact to China’s educational landscape. As a global leader in blockchain certification and a pioneer in learning outcomes recognition, the Academy fills a crucial gap in China’s recognition of non-formal learning, advancing inclusivity and modernization in the education system. Its influence is unparalleled both in China and on the international stage.

Through this strategic partnership with QAHE, the China Academy of Educational Sciences will continue to operate within the international frameworks of UNESCO and the EU. By integrating its technological expertise and professional experience, the Academy is set to inject new momentum into the integration, innovation, and development of global education and lifelong learning.