Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) —  During the 4th Uzbekistan Country Platform roundtable, over 90 participants from Uzbekistan’s government and international development partners discussed progress on key reforms in the education, skills development and TVET, i.e., technical and vocational education and training, sectors, crucial for aligning the workforce with labour market needs and advancing the Strategy “Uzbekistan – 2030”. As the final roundtable of the year, it also reflected on the sectoral achievements and challenges of 2024, setting the course for further cooperation.

The Agency for Strategic Reforms under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan (ASR) highlighted the results of the execution of the road map approved under Presidential Decree No. 109, delivering key milestones accomplished in 2024. The discussion also raised the strategic priorities for 2025, reaffirming joint commitments to the sustainable development of the country.

“Country Platform plays several roles: it coordinates the activities of international financial institutions (IFIs) in Uzbekistan, avoids duplication of efforts, and serves as a platform for discussing future activities. Today, it has become the most important mechanism for fostering inclusivity between foreign aid and the actions of the Government of Uzbekistan,” noted Mr Bakhodir Rakhmatov, ASR Director.

The Education Working Group presented progress in advancing Uzbekistan’s strategic priorities, particularly on improving access and quality in education. The Ministry of Preschool and School Education reported progress in sector investments and implemented projects, emphasising that strengthened international partnerships have driven innovation and capacity-building, supporting the government’s goals for inclusive and equitable educational development.

The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation of Uzbekistan presented advancements in vocational education and collaborative initiatives with development partners. To underline the importance of the sector, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) presented one of its projects in the country, delivering on the STEM in Secondary Education in Uzbekistan.

Toivo Klaar, Ambassador of the European Union to Uzbekistan, also emphasised the EU’s contributions to the education sector such as revamping vocational training in Uzbekistan and Erasmus+, the scholarship scheme for studies and research in European countries. “Supporting the education sector is a driver of prosperity and education is essential to deliver the 2030 Strategy. Knowledge drives innovation and growth in every sector,” highlighted EU Ambassador.

The Country Platform, chaired by ASR and the Ministry of Economy and Finance of Uzbekistan with secretarial support from the European Union (EU), is as a key coordination mechanism between Uzbekistan’s government and international partners to align joint efforts for implementing the 2030 Strategy.