On 17 and 18 December 2024, the regional conference ‘Adult Learning and Education in Central Asia: Current Developments and Perspectives’ took place in Tashkent. Around 70 representatives from government agencies, international organisations and civil society in Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Kazakhstan, as well as Germany, Armenia and Georgia, came together to discuss the challenges and opportunities in adult learning and education (ALE). In addition to analysing current issues, the conference showcased innovative approaches that have already been successfully implemented in the region.
The conference was opened with welcoming remarks by Dr Michael Wimmer, Deputy Ambassador and Director of Development Cooperation at the German Embassy in Uzbekistan, Nazhimov Elmurodvon, Deputy Secretary General of the National UNESCO Commission of Uzbekistan, and Galina Veramejchyk, DVV International Regional Director for Central Asia. Uwe Gartenschlaeger, Director of DVV International and former Regional Director in Central Asia, welcomed the participants via video message. All speakers emphasised the central importance of adult learning and education (ALE) in overcoming global challenges such as climate change and digital transformation. They highlighted the role of DVV International as a reliable partner for strengthening ALE systems worldwide.
Innovations and challenges in adult learning and education
The discussion was launched by a plenary session in which representatives of state institutions from Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, as well as the Tajik Adult Education Association, presented the structures, legal frameworks and reform processes of their national ALE systems. Despite varying national circumstances, the challenges of financing, access, and quality in adult education emerged as common themes.
The subsequent expert plenary session included contributions from Germany, Armenia and Georgia. Prof. Dr. Anke Grotlüschen from the University of Hamburg presented research results that proved the positive effects of ALE on economic development, social cohesion and individual well-being. Ester Hakobyan, head of the DVV International Armenia country office, reported on advocacy and lobbying work in Armenia. Tanja Fichtner, Pedagogical Director of the Weiden Adult Education Centre, described experiences from a project to support vulnerable women's groups, while Tatia Gherkenashvili from the Georgian Adult Education Association highlighted the role of adult education centres in Georgia.
Practical insights and future prospects
The second day of the conference began with a field trip to a state-run vocational training centre in Tashkent. The participants were given insights into the classrooms and had discussions with teachers, trainees and employees in order to get to know the state structures of education and training in Uzbekistan. The highlight was the final event of a dressmaker course, at which the graduates presented their work.
The conference concluded with a discussion on the future of ALE in Central Asia. The participants agreed that more support is needed for ALE and advocated more intensive regional cooperation. Small groups discussed specific opportunities for cooperation and collected promising ideas that will be pursued in the coming months.