Introduction:
QAHE is delighted to announce its partnership with the Agency for Quality Assurance in Education "EdNet" in Central Asia. This collaboration aims to promote quality education reciprocal recognition. The event, titled "Integration of Education for Sustainable Development in the Educational System of Central Asia: Main Achievements and Further Development Steps," was organized by UNESCO, the Ministry of Education and Science of the Kyrgyz Republic, and EdNet. The project received funding from the Republic of Estonia.
Promoting Education for Sustainable Development (ESD):
The event served as a platform to showcase the main results of the project's efforts in developing Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) in the Kyrgyz Republic. Over the course of four years, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Science of the Kyrgyz Republic and with the support of UNESCO, the project successfully integrated ESD principles into the education system at both school and university levels.
Keynote Speakers and Achievements:
The event commenced with welcoming remarks from esteemed individuals including Ms. Ashymbaeva Toktobubu, Deputy Minister of Education and Science of the Kyrgyz Republic; Mr. Toomas Tiers, Ambassador of the Republic of Estonia to Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan; and Mr. Nurbek Teleshaliyev, UNESCO Almaty Education Specialist. The presentations by participants highlighted the significant achievements of the four-year UNESCO ESD initiative, which was generously funded by Estonia. These achievements encompassed various aspects, such as the development of "ESD Modules for Schools" in Kyrgyzstan, the outcomes of the "Best Practices Competition in the Field of ESD Integration," the integration of ESD into university education teacher training programs, and the key accomplishments in ESD implementation in Kazakhstan.
Panel Discussions and Regional Cooperation:
The event also facilitated panel discussions focused on the future prospects and further development of ESD in Central Asia. Participants engaged in constructive conversations regarding potential areas of regional cooperation to promote ESD at the country, school, and teacher levels. The discussions culminated in an agreement among participants from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan to foster ongoing collaboration and establish a regional alliance for ESD.
Diverse Participation:
The event witnessed the active involvement of various stakeholders, including the Ambassador of the Republic of Estonia, representatives from the Ministry of Education and Science of the Kyrgyz Republic, international organizations, universities, schools, experts, and project partners. This diverse participation underscored the collective commitment to advancing quality education and sustainable development in Central Asia.
Conclusion:
QAHE and EdNet's partnership marks a significant milestone in promoting quality education worldwide. Through collaborative efforts and the integration of ESD principles, the region aims to create a robust educational system that nurtures responsible global citizens and addresses pressing environmental and social challenges. The final event of the "Quality Education for Sustainable Development through ICT approaches in Central Asia" project served as a catalyst for knowledge sharing, highlighting achievements, and fostering regional cooperation. QAHE remains committed to supporting initiatives that drive educational excellence and sustainable development, ensuring a brighter future for the region and its communities.