
Shanghai, China – On March 13, 2023, ICDL China was officially launched, marking a significant step towards improving digital literacy among Chinese students and adults.
The launch was held in Shanghai, attended, and witnessed by distinguished figures such as Mr. Eamon Ryan, the Irish Minister for Environment, Climate & Communications and Transport, Ms. Ann Derwin, the Irish Ambassador to China, Ms. Wendy Dorman-Smith, Consul General of Ireland in Shanghai, Mr. Patrick O’Riordan, Enterprise Ireland China Director, and Ms. Tina Wu, General Manager of ICDL Asia. The establishment of ICDL China highlighted the crucial role and potential contribution to the country’s digital skills and knowledge, further advancing the development of the digital economy.

The rapid evolution of information technology has triggered a remarkable transformation in every aspect of society, encompassing fields from education and healthcare to finance and communication. However, the successful implementation of this transformation is highly dependent on the availability of digital skills and knowledge, which remains lacking in many parts of the world. Hence, digital skills are crucial for achieving sustainable development and reducing global inequality.

During the official launch, Ms. Tina Wu, General Manager of ICDL Asia, revealed that the total number of registered ICDL learners globally has exceeded 17 million. The program has been successfully implemented in more than 150 countries and translated into 47 languages worldwide, equipping learners with an array of digital skills ranging from application tools to social media usage, email proficiency, and online collaboration tools. This achievement underscores the pivotal role of the ICDL Global Foundation in advancing digital literacy globally, enhancing learners’ employability prospects and offering them a competitive advantage in the job market.
In conclusion, the launch of ICDL China represent a significant step towards addressing the pivotal moment in meeting the increasing demand for digital skills in the region. The partnership between China and Ireland demonstrates a commitment to sustainable development and reducing global inequality through digital education and research. With an impressive milestone of 17 million learners worldwide, ICDL will continue to reinforce its efforts towards promoting digital literacy worldwide and ensuring individuals have equal access to digital knowledge and skills.
ICDL – The Digital Skills Standard