Webinar: Strengthening TVET systems through network collaboration
15.09.2026
In the second episode of the TGTA webinar series, we looked at how strong networks form the backbone of the “Towards a Global TVET Agenda” Initiative. As demonstrated by the UNEVOC Network, knowledge generation and sharing as well as capacity development are cornerstones in shaping more adaptable and future-ready TVET systems.
As part of the BMBFSFJ initiative Towards a Global TVET Agenda (TGTA), the TGTA team at BIBB, in collaboration with the UNESCO-UNEVOC International Centre for TVET (UNESCO-UNEVOC), was pleased to present a webinar exploring a core theme of the initiative:
- Topic: How to strengthen TVET systems through network collaboration?
- Date: Thursday, 3 September 2026
- Time: 16:00-17:30 CEST
Key Takeaways:
- Added value of network collaboration on all levels
This webinar highlighted how multi-level network collaboration develops critical pathways for aligning local, regional and international vocational standards, labor market demands, and skills development. Leading to better outcomes for all.
- Inclusion of multilateral partners is essential
TVET challenges may feel local but in reality, they transcend boarders. Bringing together key national, regional and international institutions, like BIBB, UNESCO-UNEVOC, ETF, ILO, and OECD, ensures a holistic approach to policy, governance, and implementation.
- Action-oriented networks
The session framed networking not just for communication, but as a strategic mechanism to strengthen system resilience and modernize TVET.
TGTA – Next 5 Years: Priorities Identified by Partners
- Making TVET more attractive, innovative, and connected to world of work.
- Ensuring all stakeholder groups are represented; including youth.
- Linking stakeholder engagement to the productive sector; including both employers and workers.
- Modernizing TVET institutions to make them flexible to changes; including skills, technological and greening.
- Bringing more governments and international experts onboard to strengthen TVET systems globally.
Notice: This video is hosted on the Youtube channel of the BIBB. If you play this video here, data will be transferred to Youtube or Google. Please find further information in our data privacy statement.
UNEVOC Network
Strengthening TVET systems requires collective action that extends beyond institutional or national capacities. Networks create conditions that foster this collaboration by connecting policymakers, practitioners, researchers and industry partners to exchange knowledge, build institutional capabilities and learn from diverse experiences.
This webinar explored how networks underpin international cooperation in TVET. Drawing on over 30 years of experience, the webinar focused on the UNEVOC Network and TGTA flagship projects linked to the Network, namely the TVET Leadership Programme, the Coaction Initiative and global and regional policy and peer-learning forums.
Next TGTA webinars
This webinar was the second in a series that explores the key themes of the “Towards a Global TVET Agenda” initiative.
Further episodes, in collaboration with TGTA partners, will follow on:
- centres of excellence with the ETF;
- social partnership and work-based learning with the ILO
- reflections on collaboration towards a global TVET agenda by BIBB.
Agenda
- Katharina Engel, Team Lead “Towards a Global TVET Agenda”, BIBB
- Friedrich Huebler, Head of UNESCO-UNEVOC
Leveraging network knowledge for:
- Idea incubation - UNEVOC Network Coaction Initiative
Constanze Kuesel, Manager of International Projects, Chamber of Skilled Crafts Koblenz (HWK), Germany - Policy exchange - Global and regional forums - BILT bridging event in Malaysia
Affero Ismail, Head of Digital Innovation Centre, University Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM), UNESCO Chair on TVET Educators - TVET leadership development – UNESCO-UNEVOC TVET Leadership Programme
Juan Ignacio Venegas-Muggli, Director of Institutional Effectiveness and Development, INACAP, Chile and
Ruusa Omagano Iitula, Manager - TVET Standards, Namibia Training Authority
Moderators: Sebastian Ciołek, Project Manager “Towards a Global TVET Agenda” Initiative, BIBB; and Natalie Ax, Project Manager for BILT, Innovation and Excellence in TVET, UNESCO-UNEVOC
Moderator: Sebastian Ciołek, Project Manager “Towards a Global TVET Agenda” Initiative, BIBB
How do we leverage networks to set the agenda for the future of TVET? Fostering innovation and contributing to more resilient TVET systems
Panellists:
- Christine Hofmann, Team Lead on Skills for Social Inclusion, ILO Regional Office in Africa
- Friedrich Huebler, Head of UNESCO-UNEVOC
- Susanne M. Nielsen, Senior Expert, European Training Foundation
- Cara Schmitt, Project Officer “Towards a Global TVET Agenda” Initiative, BIBB
Moderator: Jessica Rosenfeld, Project Assistant “Towards a Global TVET Agenda” Initiative, BIBB