European Parliament highlights skills development and youth empowerment ahead of the First Central Asia - European Union Parliamentary Cooperation Forum

European Parliament highlights skills development and youth empowerment ahead of the First Central Asia - European Union Parliamentary Cooperation Forum

A high-level EU delegation led by Mrs Guisi Princi, Chair of the European Parliament's Delegation for Relations with Central Asia visited two key educational institutions in Samarkand city, underscoring the EU's commitment to youth empowerment, skills development, and cultural heritage preservation.

30 March 2026, Samarkand, Uzbekistan. On the eve of the First Central Asia-European Union Parliamentary Cooperation Forum scheduled for 30-31 March 2026, a high-level delegation from the European Union visited two key educational institutions in Samarkand city, underscoring the EU's commitment to youth empowerment, skills development, and cultural heritage preservation. Led by Mrs Guisi Princi, Chair of the European Parliament's Delegation for Relations with Central Asia (DCAS), Mr Eduards Stiprais, EU Special Representative for Central Asia, and H.E. Mr Toivo Klaar, EU Ambassador to Uzbekistan, the delegation witnessed firsthand how EU-funded projects are shaping the future of Uzbekistan's workforce and academic landscape.

1. Centre of Vocational Excellence at Samarkand Tourism and Cultural Heritage Technical College

The delegation's first stop was the Samarkand Tourism and Cultural Heritage Technical College, home to a newly established Samarkand Centre of Vocational Excellence - a flagship initiative under the EU-funded project "Skills Development for Employability in Rural Areas of Uzbekistan" (2020-2026, €9.6 million), implemented by UNESCO. During the visit, the delegation explored the fully renovated and equipped state-of-the-art facilities, including modern classrooms, workshops, and training labs. They also engaged in lively discussions with teachers, master craftsmen, and students, who shared how the programme has enhanced their employability and entrepreneurial skills in tourism and cultural heritage, sectors vital to Uzbekistan's economy.

"Investing in vocational education is investing in Uzbekistan's future. This Centre is a perfect example of how the EU's support translates into real opportunities for young people in rural communities," said Mrs Guisi Princi, Chair of the European Parliament's Delegation for Relations with Central Asia.

1. Silk Road International University of Tourism and Cultural Heritage

Second visit took the delegation to the Silk Road International University of Tourism and Cultural Heritage, a hub for higher education and research along the historic Silk Road. Here, the delegation toured the cutting-edge campus facilities, learned about two ongoing Erasmus+ projects (DIANA and QUARTZ) fostering academic exchange and innovation; participated in a dynamic Q&A session with over 100 students, who raised insightful questions on EU -Uzbekistan cooperation, youth mobility, and career prospects in tourism and cultural diplomacy.

"The enthusiasm and curiosity of these students are inspiring. Through Erasmus+ and our broader education programmes, we are not just building skills-we are building bridges between our peoples," remarked Ms Guisi Princi.

"Education and youth are at the heart of our partnership with Uzbekistan. As we gather for the first Parliamentary Forum tomorrow, these visits remind us of impact our cooperation delivers on the ground," stated Mr Sven Simon, Chair of the Constitutional Affairs Committee of the European Parliament.

These visits preceded the inaugural of the First Central Asia-European Union Parliamentary Cooperation Forum, co-hosted by the European Parliament and the Oliy Majlis (Parliament) of the Republic of Uzbekistan taking place on 31 March 2026 in Samarkand, marks a historic step in strengthening democratic ties, economic partnerships, and people-to-people connections between the EU and Central Asia.