The workshop was organized by the World Bank Institute (WBI) in cooperation with the Regional Environmental Center for Central Asia within the framework of the Central Asia Energy Water Development Program (CAEWDP).

The World Bank aims to support the creation of a regional network of knowledge and learning institutions in Central Asia. The workshop brought together representatives from universities, government institutes, academies and civil society organizations from all Central Asian countries that provide thematic learning programs.

“Knowledge and skills foster cooperation. Therefore, we welcome the opportunity to help establish a network of national institutions to promote a systematic exchange of experiences, and to help equip national institutions with cutting-edge curriculum and skills to build the capacity of Government agencies, civil society organizations and other professionals in water, energy, agriculture, climate change-related issues”, said Mr. Laurent Debroux, Sector Leader for Sustainable Development at the World Bank Central Asia Regional Office.

The participants discussed existing educational programs in Central Asia, their strengths and knowledge gaps, cross-sector issues and subjects that would benefit from the knowledge exchange. Also they shared ideas on customization of curriculum and assessed the opportunities to create a regional network of knowledge and learning institutions (“centers of excellence”) around priority issues such as land and water management, climate smart agriculture, and sustainable energy, among others.

“The conducted consultative workshop showed that sharing of knowledge, experience, information and training materials is of great importance in preparation and retraining of personnel in all countries of Central Asia. Constantly changing reality requires new skills, new approaches, new interactive methods and technologies for learning. Creation of a network of educational institutions can become the basis for a constant exchange of knowledge and experience”, said Mrs. Yekaterina Strikeleva, Water Initiatives Support Program Manager of the Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia.

This Central Asia regional Workshop is one of a series of events focusing on the creation of knowledge exchange mechanisms in an array of topics that are in high demand throughout the region.