International Conference

On May 22, 2025, the I International Scientific and Practical Conference on the topic “Current Status and Prospective Tasks of Developing the National Qualifications System” was held. The event was organized through the collaboration of the Institute for the Development of the National Qualifications System under the National Agency for Quality Assurance in Education, UNESCO, and the European Union Delegation to Uzbekistan.

The conference brought together international experts, representatives of sectoral councils, officials responsible for the development of the national qualifications system, and media representatives. The main slogan of the conference was the principle “Lifelong learning is the foundation of the national qualifications system.” This international meeting reflected a comprehensive approach aimed at ensuring individual development through education and qualifications throughout a person’s lifetime. The large-scale scientific and practical conference was attended by highly qualified experts from international organizations such as UNESCO, Helvetas, GIZ, ETF, DVV International, KOICA, ADB, and the World Bank.

The conference was opened by Adham Khudaykulov, Director of the National Agency for Quality Assurance in Education under the Administration of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan; Utkir Alijonov, Head of the Department for the Development of the Professional Education System at the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovations; Jana Kurpisa, Programme Manager of the Cooperation Section of the EU Delegation to Uzbekistan; and Sara Noshadi, Head of the UNESCO Office in Uzbekistan. In their speeches, they addressed topical issues related to the analysis and interpretation of the modern labour market and international experience in this field.

Within the framework of the conference, Anvar Allabergenov, Director of the Institute for the Development of the National Qualifications System, delivered a presentation on “The Current State and Development Prospects of the National Qualifications System in Uzbekistan.” UNESCO expert Jean-Marc Castejon spoke on “Ensuring the Quality of a Qualifications System Based on Lifelong Learning Perspectives,” GIZ expert (Germany) Natalya Grekova presented “Germany’s Experience in the Recognition of Prior Learning,” ETH Zurich expert (Switzerland) Michelle Augustine Palayil discussed “The Swiss National Qualifications System,” and Nadejda Solodyankina, representative of the European Training Foundation (ETF), presented “European Experience in the Recognition of Non-Formal and Informal Learning Outcomes.” The speakers emphasized the need to focus on the scientific, legal, institutional, and methodological foundations for establishing a fully functioning national qualifications system in the context of globalization.

In addition, specific recommendations and innovative solutions were proposed regarding quality assurance, identifying modern labour market trends, skills forecasting, the use of digital technologies, education and training of older adults, and the consistent recognition of learning outcomes acquired through all forms of lifelong learning (formal and non-formal), using international methods and technologies. During the presentations, participants confirmed the strategic importance of improving the national qualifications system as a tool for ensuring sustainable development, promoting employment, and enhancing education quality and labour force competitiveness.

In the second part of the day, breakout sessions were organized within the conference in the following areas:

1. Lifelong learning as the foundation of the national qualifications system.

2. National and international trends in quality assurance within the national qualifications system.

3. Improving the legal and organizational framework for the development of the national qualifications system.

4. Enhancing the capacity of stakeholders involved in the national qualifications system.

Based on the outcomes of the discussions within the scientific tracks of the conference:
– commitment to the lifelong learning concept was reaffirmed, including the development of continuous education mechanisms, increasing the accessibility and flexibility of learning pathways, and supporting adult education and retraining;
– the importance of active participation in international initiatives, alignment of national qualifications frameworks with international standards, and the development of transnational recognition mechanisms was emphasized, highlighting the significance of international coordination and mutual recognition of qualifications;
– the implementation of recognition of prior learning (RPL) mechanisms was supported, requiring the development of a regulatory framework, methodological guidelines, and transparent procedures for assessing and recognizing non-formal and informal learning outcomes;
– commitments were made to strengthen the institutional and regulatory framework of the national qualifications system, including the development of coordinating structures, enhancement of their managerial and analytical capacity, and the establishment of an effective model of cooperation among all stakeholders;
– the important role of the private sector and employers as key participants in the development of the qualifications system was recognized, with recommendations to expand their involvement in developing professional standards, participating in qualification assessment procedures, and shaping education programs that meet labour market demands;
– the need for active integration of innovative and digital solutions into assessment and learning processes was highlighted, including the use of digital platforms, e-portfolios, remote testing systems, and artificial intelligence tools to increase the efficiency, transparency, and accessibility of education and qualification processes.

Conference participants expressed their readiness to continue cooperation in further developing and improving the national qualifications system, as well as strengthening partnerships at national, regional, and international levels.

This international conference served as an important platform for the development of the national qualifications system, exchange of global experience, alignment with international standards, and represents a significant step toward further enhancing Uzbekistan’s human capital potential.