Promoting Regional and International Cooperation in Turkmenistan with DARYA
The European Training Foundation (ETF) has been working closely with Turkmenistan since 1995 to support the modernisation of education and training systems in the country. This partnership is in line with the European Union’s broader goals of enhancing employability, increasing access to opportunities, and promoting social cohesion in Central Asia. The ETF provides expertise and good practices from Europe to complement the work of the European Commission and the EU External Action Service.
In 2022, the EU launched DARYA, its first-ever regional initiative aimed at supporting youth in Central Asia. The program, implemented by the ETF, focuses on strengthening inclusion and labor market skills in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Turkmenistan’s Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Protection, Halbibi Tachjanova, emphasized the importance of the DARYA initiative in creating opportunities for young people and meeting the needs of employers in the country.
Katarína Lukáčová, ETF country liaison for Turkmenistan, highlighted the country’s active participation in the DARYA program. Turkmenistan is committed to implementing the program’s activities, including integrating the EU’s SCAFFOLD tool into its national system. The country is also interested in adopting evidence-based methods and innovative approaches to qualifications. The cooperation with key Ministries has been excellent, reflecting a strong mutual commitment.
A recent mission to Ashgabat by the ETF delegation focused on youth employability, skills development, and collaboration with other international organizations. Meetings with senior officials from various ministries and organizations underscored Turkmenistan’s priority for education, youth, and employment. The country’s commitment to the DARYA project as a catalyst for progress in labor market skills, qualifications, and teaching methods was evident.
High-level visits by EU officials, including European Commissioner Jutta Urpilainen and EU Special Representative for Central Asia Terhi Hakala, demonstrate the strengthening partnership between the EU and Turkmenistan. The EU values Turkmenistan as an important partner in Central Asia and appreciates its cooperation in various areas, including connectivity, transport, climate change, energy, and trade.
As the ETF continues to implement DARYA, cooperation with Turkmenistan is deepening. The integration of EU tools into Turkmenistan’s national system and active participation in DARYA activities reflect the country’s dedication to enhancing the skills and employability of its youth. This partnership aligns with the EU’s objectives of inclusive development, youth empowerment, and regional cooperation in Central Asia.
The growing collaboration between Turkmenistan and the EU through the ETF’s initiatives holds promise for the advancement of youth across the region. The ETF serves as a bridge to the EU through education and skills development programs, contributing to the overall prosperity and stability of Central Asia and the Caspian region.
