1st Belarusian-Uzbek Vocational Education Forum held in Minsk

The formation of an interstate platform to host discussions of the most pressing issues related to the development of vocational, specialised secondary and higher education was in the focus of the forum participants’ attention. In the near future, it is planned to study the issue of organising a scientific and technological consortium between leading scientists and researchers of the two countries and financing joint sci-tech projects. Lecturers and researchers of the Uzbek universities who train personnel in the engineering and technical fields are expected to come to Belarus’ scientific institutions and universities for internship.

Photo by Belarus’ Education Ministry

The countries shared their experience and successful practices of integrating educational programmes.

Belarus’ Education Minister Andrei Ivanets stressed, “The education system in the Republic of Belarus is not just one of the largest branches of the social sphere, which unites over 7 thousand educational institutions and more than 2 million students: it is also an important aspect of Belarusians’ life. Currently, the national education system meets all the requirements of the state and society, it is operating in a sustained fashion and steadily developing. The main directions for the development of our education system have been determined until 2030.”

An effective model of vocational education has been created in Belarus, and 52 competence centres operate countrywide. Mr. Ivanets added, “Relevant ministries and personnel customers participate in the development of educational programmes. This work is especially important because everyone has to explain how effectively the training is being conducted today.”

The higher education system prioritises such areas as improving the quality of practice-oriented training of specialists and the effectiveness of interaction with personnel customers; developing the innovative infrastructure of universities and improving the effectiveness of research activities; creating conditions for attracting young people to scientific and teaching work.

It was noted at the forum that the Belarusian side is ready to develop contacts between the youth of the two countries, to intensify joint events, especially since Tashkent has become the CIS youth capital in 2024.

It is planned that students from Uzbekistan will be able to participate in Belarusian student groups and even get a working profession: an internship at large industrial enterprises is planned for this purpose.