Introducing UNESCO and vocational education

UNESCO plays a leading role in the field of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). The UNESCO Strategy for TVET 2022-2029 presents UNESCO's vision to transform TVET to support successful and just transitions in the labour market. This strategy focuses on equipping youth and adults with the skills needed for employment, entrepreneurship, and sustainable economic growth.

The International Centre for Technical and Vocational Education and Training is UNESCO’s specialised centre for TVET. Through initiatives like UNESCO-UNEVOC, UNESCO supports member states in enhancing their TVET systems to meet the evolving demands of the workforce.

UNESCO-UNEVOC

UNESCO-UNEVOC is integral to UNESCO's mission in advancing TVET, through:

facilitating knowledge exchange on best practices, research and innovations in TVET and in developing quality TVET programmes among member institutions
fostering international cooperation and mutual assistance through a global network of TVET stakeholders
assisting UNESCO member states in ensuring access to quality skills development

UNESCO-UNEVOC works in partnership with international organisations, governments, the private sector, TVET stakeholders, and UNEVOC centres. UNEVOC centres provide a means of bilateral partnership with UNESCO-UNEVOC, and an environment for exchange, cooperation and mutual assistance. UNEVOC centres proactively collaborate and build on each other’s expertise to enhance institutional capacities and knowledge while supporting the development of TVET in their country, region and the world.

There are four types of UNEVOC Centres: