🏭 North America Led in Sustainable Manufacturing. Africa’s Gas Production Equaled Use. China’s ECE Enrolments Highest in 2021.

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Vietnam launches National Hydrogen Hub in partnership with Germany. ASU unveils new advanced manufacturing programs in an effort to upskill workforce. Singapore expands training for Child Mental Health Professionals. Microsoft launches a new digital skills program to empower West Auckland’s creative sector with AI and technology training.

StudyFetch partners with NVIDIA to provide AI training programs for US high school students. Amazon launches a US$2.5B global initiative to train 50 million people for the future of work. The University of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania digitized over 1,000 courses under the HEET program.

Today's Topics

👶 Preschool Education. ECE enrolments in China rose to a record in 2021
🍃 Green Skills. Africa maintained its natural gas production and consumption equally
🏭 Advanced Manufacturing. North America improves on sustainability alongside increasing scale of production

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👶 ECE Enrolments in China Rose to a Record in 2021

China’s early childhood enrolments climbed to nearly 47M in 2021 before declining through 2023, reflecting slowing birth rates and an ageing population. The trend mirrors wider East Asian patterns as shrinking cohorts push governments to shift from expansion to quality improvement. OECD countries are pursuing similar strategies, such as Japan’s 2024 Childcare Support Package. China’s Ministry of Education is addressing this transition through its 2022 Preschool Quality Enhancement Guidelines.

🍃 Africa Maintained its Natural Gas Production and Consumption Equally

North America dominated natural gas production at 1,200+ bcm in 2024, with the US leading for 15 consecutive years. Meanwhile, Europe and Asia consumed significantly more than they produced, as Europe's consumption dropped 20% since 2021, yet remained 800 bcm, requiring LNG imports, while Asia's LNG demand surged, particularly China's. Africa consumed 183 bcm in 2024, closely matching its production capacity. African nations increasingly prioritize balanced energy strategies with43% gas-fired power generation alongside expanding renewables, demonstrating sustainable consumption-production alignment while avoiding import dependency.

🏭 North America Improves on Sustainability Alongside Increasing Scale of Production

North America led sustainable manufacturing with 32.2% market share in 2024, driven by diversification into EVs (projected 27% market share by 2030) and data centers, with industrial power demand growing 3% annually through 2035. Sustainable data centers utilize AI-optimized energy management, renewable integration, and advanced cooling with a market valued at $85B in 2024. Meanwhile, LAMEA and Asia-Pacific lag due to infrastructure scarcity, power shortages, and talent gaps, despite growing investments in renewable energy and green building initiatives.

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