Towards a lifelong learning strategy in Uzbekistan: Recognizing learning and competences from all settings

National stakeholders from several ministries and centres responsible for non-formal learning, as well as civil society partners and international experts, came together on 15 and 16 December 2016, in Tashkent City, to share their expertise and consult on the draft of the new lifelong learning strategy in Uzbekistan. During the workshop, ‘Towards Greater Lifelong Learning Opportunities for All’, more than 50 participants provided inputs for the national lifelong learning strategy in Uzbekistan. In-depth group discussions concerned: (1) developing legislative and regulatory frameworks; (2) promoting partnerships between governmental and non-governmental actors to support lifelong learning opportunities; (3) assuring the quality of all forms of lifelong learning programmes; and (4) monitoring the implementation of the strategy. Madhu Singh, Senior Programme Specialist at the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning, addressed aspects of non-formal learning, as well as the recognition, validation, and accreditation (RVA) of learning outcomes and competences, in a keynote speech. Promoting all types of learning opportunities – formal, non-formal and informal – and recognizing learning outcomes, needs to be a cross-sectoral effort that promotes the interdependence between learning and environmental, economic and societal concerns. This is crucial to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly Goal 4: ‘Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all’. The workshop, organized by the UNESCO Office in Tashkent, the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL) and the International Office of the German Adult Education Association (DVV) in Uzbekistan, resulted in an action plan for finalizing the new national lifelong learning strategy. Core elements of the strategy will include diverse non-formal education and training opportunities as well as a framework to recognize the skills, values and competences attained by the learner across sectors. UIL will support the process of finalizing the new lifelong learning strategy in Uzbekistan ahead of its enactment by the Parliament of Uzbekistan.