From 15 to 17 December 2025, Bishkek hosted the Regional Forum
“Shaping the Future: The Transformative Role of Adult Learning and Education in a Changing World” — a space for dialogue, analysis, and the joint search for solutions for the countries of Central Asia.
Today, adult education is not merely an “addition” to formal education. It is a key instrument for helping societies adapt to rapid change: the transformation of labour markets, digitalisation, migration processes, climate challenges, and growing social inequality.
The Forum programme was structured around the real demands of our time:
🔹 Skills for the future and a changing labour market
How can adults be prepared for non-linear career pathways?
How can dialogue between adult education providers and employers be strengthened?
How can learning be made flexible, accessible, and oriented towards decent employment?
🔹 Digital transformation and equal access to learning
Digital technologies open new opportunities—but also create new barriers.
The Forum addressed not only technology itself, but also digital pedagogy, critical thinking, inclusiveness, and bridging the digital divide.
🔹 Cross-cutting themes essential for sustainable development
Gender equality, social cohesion, peace and active citizenship, intersectoral partnerships, and climate education ran through the programme as a coherent system of shared values and actions.
The Forum’s particular value lay in its regional cooperation.
Experts, practitioners, representatives of government institutions, and civil society from Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan shared experiences, discussed challenges, and jointly shaped a vision for the future of adult education in the region.