Skills development initiatives in Asia in the context of regional development

Education and training for productive employment is vital for economic and social development in Asia and the Pacific region. The last decade brought significant growth to the region that is reflected in many ways in the recent developments in technical and vocational education (TVET). The development of human resources in the global economic competitiveness landscape links TVET to general education at school and higher education. Governments are strengthening policy guidance and regulatory frameworks for TVET, and partnerships with the private sector and employers are increasing. TVET is viewed as a tool for productivity enhancement and poverty reduction in Asia and the Pacific. Countries in the region have achieved visible progress in TVET within such major areas as the improvement of organisational and management structures, the development of occupational standards, the establishment of financial incentives and improvement in accountability of results, the expansion of private provisions and collaboration with industry. This paper discusses a number of common trends that can be observed in the region, with particular attention to green skills development.