The European Education Foundation (ETF) and UNESCO organized an international online conference on "Developing Lifelong Learning Systems: Skills for a Green and Inclusive Society in the Digital Age".

Tamar Kitiashvili, Deputy Minister of Education and Science of Georgia took part in the main discussion at the conference.

In her speech, the deputy minister focused on the challenges that our country has recently faced, noting that in order to overcome them, it is necessary to introduce new approaches, implement modern methods and mechanisms, and adapt quickly to the digital world.

According to her, more cooperation with partners, especially with the private sector is encouraged, especially in terms of enhancing the economy and developing human capital. For this purpose, for the first time in Georgia, a professional skills agency was established, with which the largest business associations and ministries will actively work.

Tamar Kitiashvili also spoke about the strategy of the Ministry for 2017-2021, which reflects the concepts of digital transformation and sustainability that are necessary to develop the necessary skills. In addition, new curricula were reviewed and introduced for all levels of general and vocational education, covering digital competencies and sustainable thinking. Tamar Kitiashvili thanked the ETF for its support in this direction and, in general, in the process of reforming the vocational education and skills development system of Georgia.

According to the deputy minister, sustainable development will be more clearly reflected in the new strategy for 2022-2032, in which lifelong learning will be the main and pervasive concept. As for digitization, a special attention will be paid to the development of digital skills and strengthening the efficiency of the system.

Representatives of the International Labor Organization (ILO), the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) also participated in the international online conference.