Representatives of Turkmenistan took part in the first meeting of the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Skills Development Program Working Group to improve regional cooperation in vocational and higher education. The forum was held in Tashkent from February 29 to March 1.

Turkmenistan was represented by Deputy Minister of Education Azat Atayev and Vice-Rector for Research of the Turkmen Agricultural University named after S.A. Niyazov Shakymuhammet Shakhiyev, according to the website of the Turkmendenizderyayollary agency.

The forum brought together about 30 participants to discuss problems, opportunities and prospects for the development of vocational and higher education systems, as well as regional cooperation in the training of qualified specialists.

The best world practices for strengthening regional cooperation in the field of skills development were presented by experts from the Asian Development Bank, the Japan International Cooperation Agency, and the leadership of the Association of European Universities.

In his speech, Azat Atayev noted that the development of educational standards in the country is carried out in accordance with the International Standard Classification of Education, officially approved by the participating countries at the General Conference of UNESCO. Education standards are also agreed upon by key employers and stakeholders, as are qualification requirements and curricula. He also spoke about the new edition of the Law of

Turkmenistan on Education and the creation of a national innovation information center. The successes of Turkmen universities on international rating platforms were presented.

Topics such as the role of agricultural universities for effective water management and climate-smart agriculture were raised on strengthening regional skills collaboration. In this regard, Vice-Rector for Scientific Work of the Turkmen Agricultural University Sh. Shakhiyev spoke about the country’s positive experience in these areas.

Participants were introduced to international benchmarks used by think tanks and academia, including the European University Network, CAREC Institute, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Wageningen Center for Development Innovation and JICA.

Given the overall challenges of climate change and environmental sustainability in the region, the CAREC Agricultural University Network can stimulate research on climate change and be a source of knowledge on how to use advanced technologies and adapt them to local needs. This can drive innovation and the development of cutting-edge solutions.