TGTA at the OECD Skills Summit 2026

The OECD Skills Summit 2026 held in Istanbul in April 2026 brought together ministers and high-level government representatives from around the world to discuss the future of skills, education and employment under the overarching theme of “Unlocking Talent Across Generations”. Three key areas of action were focused on: Rethinking Formal Education, Harnessing Adults’ Skills and Tapping into Hidden Talent.

BMBFSFJ and BIBB mark a first

The event also marked an important occasion for the Federal Ministry of Education, Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth (BMBFSFJ) and the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB), being the first time that these German intuitions contributed to the high-level summit’s programme. This milestone was achieved through the hosting of a side event on the “Towards a Global TVET Agenda” (TGTA) Initiative.

The side event was organised by BIBB on behalf of BMBFSFJ, and in collaboration with international partner organisations. It brought together preeminent representatives from politics, international organisations and the international technical vocational education and training (TVET) sector to discuss prospects for stronger global cooperation in the field.

Focus on future-proof TVET systems

Focusing on the further development of sustainable TVET systems was at the heart of the side event. Additionally, responses to global challenges, such as technological change, skilled labour shortages, the green transition and changing labour market demands were addressed. The discussion made it clear that international skills and TVET cooperation is becoming increasingly important.

Speakers included representatives from BMBFSFJ, as well as TGTA partners OECD, UNESCO and the European Commission. The ILO contributed to the ensuing discussion. They emphasised the importance of more intensive international policy dialogue, mutual learning and joint analytical and evidence-based approaches to the further development of vocational education and training systems.

Strengthening multilateral cooperation: Towards a Global TVET Agenda

The TGTA Initiative aims to strengthen multilateral cooperation in the field of TVET and to create a platform for global exchange, knowledge transfer and joint strategic development. The German Government is supporting the Initiative, together with international partner organisations, during an initial funding phase from 2025 to 2027.

The substantial amount of interest surrounding the side event, in conjunction with fruitful bilateral discussions held during the Summit, underscored the TGTA Initiative’s potential for deeper international cooperation. Further exchange with partner countries and international organisations will be continued and expanded upon in the coming months.