Global TVET Forum 2025 in Berlin: Launch of the BMBFSFJ Initiative ‘Towards a Global TVET Agenda’

Global cooperation for the future of technical vocational education and training

The forum is being organised by the UNESCO International Centre for Vocational Education and Training (UNESCO-UNEVOC), the Federal Ministry of Education, Family, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth (BMBFSFJ) and the BIBB – in close cooperation with partners from the International Labour Organisation (ILO), the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the European Training Foundation (ETF).

Live streaming will be available for the official high-level opening of the ‘Towards a Global TVET Agenda’ Initiative on 28 October, as well as selected sessions on the following day. Registration for the livestream is possible via the event website at UNESCO-UNEVOC (link in the sidebar).

This Initiative aims to develop common priorities for a global TVET agenda using strategic multilateral cooperation and coordinated concrete action.

On behalf of the Ministry, the BIBB will work with its partners in four thematic areas until the end of 2027:

• Knowledge sharing and global fora
• Global and regional TVET innovations – capacity building for social partner involvement 
• Prototyping TVET data reporting
• Partnership for Excellence

Through bringing together for this initial event around 120 international representatives from politics, multilateral and international institutions, social partners and vocational training providers, the BMBFSJ is sending a strong signal of its commitment to this Initiative.

Highlights of the Global TVET Forum 2025

Day 1 – Political kick-off with global and regional perspectives

The first day of the conference marks the official launch of the ‘Towards a Global TVET Agenda’ Initiative. Keynotes will be provided by UNESCO and the European Commission, as well as a political assessment of the BMBFSFJ Initiative by Dr Catrin Hannken. These will be followed by statements from the founding multilateral partner organisations ETF, ILO, OECD and UNESCO-UNEVOC, as well as WorldSkills International, regarding the international launch of the Initiative. Birgit Thomann, Head of the Department of International Vocational Education and Training will be speaking on behalf of BIBB.

In the afternoon, the focus will shift towards regional perspectives of the Global TVET Agenda. Including contributions from the African Union Commission, ILO/Cinterfor and TESDA from the Philippines, which will take over the chairmanship of ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) in 2026.

Day 2 – Cooperation, innovation and practical dialogue

The second day will be dedicated to dialogue. In interactive workshops, participants will work on key topics of the initiative:

• Global TVET data and reporting,
• Capacity building for social partners, policy makers and TVET networks,
• Artificial intelligence and cooperation with industry, and
• Attractiveness of TVET.

An additional event highlight will be the inauguration ceremony of the UNESCO-UNEVOC Global TVET Awards, which aim to recognise outstanding practical examples and innovative approaches in TVET. BIBB will also provide a technical contribution on the topic of democracy education in training.

Day 3 – Insights into dual TVET practice

Finally, the international guests of the Global TVET Forum will gain practical insights into the dual TVET system. Visits to companies, vocational schools and educational institutions in Berlin will demonstrate what has been discussed during the conference: from labour market relevance, digitalisation and sustainability to inclusion and continuing education opportunities.