United National Strategy for Education and Science aims to ensure equal access to inclusive and quality education, as well as to improve lifelong learning opportunities, which is closely related to the principles of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) strategy "Education for Sustainable Development," the UN General Assembly resolutions A/RES/70/1 of September 25, 2015, and A/RES/71/313 of July 6, 2017, and the following Goals of Sustainable Development (SDGs): Goal 4 - Quality Education; Goal 8 - Decent Work and Economic Growth; Goal 9 - Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure; Goal 16 - Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.
Various components within Georgia's 2022-2030 Unified National Strategy of Education and Science work together to promote lifelong learning. These elements aim to create an inclusive and sustainable educational system, enabling individuals to continuously develop their skills and competencies. These initiatives are designed to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving labour market, technological advancements, and demographic shifts, particularly as Georgia faces an ageing population and increasing skill mismatches in the workforce.
One of the key pillars supporting lifelong learning is vocational education, which is vital in offering flexible, practical learning opportunities. Georgia’s Law on Vocational Education provides the legal foundation for integrating vocational training into the broader education system. This law ensures that vocational education is both accessible and aligned with international standards, allowing students to gain practical skills that meet the demands of both local and global labour markets. A crucial feature of this law is the formal recognition of non-formal and informal learning, allowing individuals to have their skills and competencies assessed and certified even if acquired outside traditional educational institutions. This mechanism encourages lifelong learning by giving individuals opportunities to develop new skills and improve their employability at different stages of life.
The strategy includes the development of flexible learning models, ensuring that education is accessible to all, including vulnerable groups such as ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, and those from remote or disadvantaged regions. By focusing on individualised learning paths, the strategy creates educational opportunities that cater to diverse needs and backgrounds. Digital and hybrid learning models are promoted as essential tools to ensure widespread access to learning, especially in rural and underserved areas.
Aligned with European policy frameworks and global goals such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Georgia’s strategy emphasizes the development of key lifelong competencies, including literacy, multilingualism, digital skills, entrepreneurship, and civic engagement. This fosters an ecosystem where individuals can continuously acquire relevant skills both locally and globally, enhancing their adaptability and resilience in a dynamic world.
Additionally, the strategy underscores the importance of public-private partnerships in vocational education and lifelong learning. It encourages collaboration between educational institutions, private sector stakeholders, and civil society to ensure that education and training programs are responsive to the labour market's needs. By engaging employers in designing and implementing vocational programs, the strategy seeks to bridge the gap between education and employment, ensuring that graduates possess the necessary skills for the workforce.
A significant strategy component is the establishment of Centers of Excellence (CoEs) and regional hubs within the vocational education system. These hubs are envisioned as innovative ecosystems that integrate learning, training, and research activities. They are designed to address regional and sectoral labour market needs by providing high-quality vocational education that prepares individuals with the skills required for an inclusive and sustainable economy. These centres will also be critical in preparing and distributing resources necessary for digital and innovative education, ensuring that vocational education is modern and meets the needs of a growing economy.