EUSR`s Opening Speech at the 4th DARYA High-Level Group Meeting

Your excellencies, Ministers, Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed guests,

It is my honour to deliver the opening remarks on this extraordinary event. 

I am truly delighted—and, I must say, proud—to see how the DARYA programme has grown and developed since its launch in 2022. Today, we have the privilege of joining the fourth event of this scale, and I’d like to take a moment to share why this project is so meaningful for the European Union and why we remain fully committed to supporting it.

Firstly, the momentum for developing the relations between the European Union and the Central Asian countries has never been as significant as it is today. Our focus is on the economic development of the region, and a key part of this is attracting increased investments. However, to fully leverage these opportunities, we need a workforce that is both well-educated and highly skilled. By investing in education, vocational training, and professional development, we can ensure that local communities are equipped to take on new economic opportunities, drive innovation, and sustain long-term growth. In this way, supporting human capital development is not just a social priority—it is a strategic necessity for attracting investment and fostering a competitive, resilient regional economy. The presence of well-trained professionals at all levels, from skilled workers to managers, makes the region a more attractive and secure destination for European investment.

With that in mind, let me turn to the second reason behind our strong commitment to supporting the DARYA programme in the region. Investing in people and their skills lies at the core of building resilient, future-ready economies—economies capable of adapting to rapid technological change and navigating the global transformations of our time. In a time of shifting landscapes, modern challenges, and geopolitical uncertainty, empowering our youth through vocational education is more important than ever. Young people who acquire practical skills gain confidence, are better prepared to succeed in the job market, and are less vulnerable to setbacks. By providing them with these tools, we not only enhance their individual opportunities but also contribute to building a stronger, more cohesive society—one that is capable of withstanding the uncertainties of the future.

That brings me to my next point — the third one — which I would like to focus on. The unique demographics of Central Asian countries open up tremendous opportunities and give these nations a significant advantage in many areas. The young generation of Central Asia is the region’s greatest asset and its hope for the future. With a median age of just around 26 years, and nearly one-third of the population under 15, Central Asia remains one of the youngest regions in the world. By 2050, the region’s population is projected to reach around 114 million, with almost two-thirds of its people still of working age. This means that Central Asia is entering a demographic window of opportunity — a period when a large, dynamic, and educated workforce can drive innovation, productivity, and sustainable growth. But for this potential to translate into real progress, we must continue investing in young people — in their education, in their skills, and in the opportunities that allow them to shape their own future.

Last, but not least, I would like to elaborate on the European Union’s political commitments towards Central Asia. The commitment to deepen cooperation in the field of education as written down as one deliverable in the first ever high-level EU Central Asia summit last April in Samarkand. On this occasion, I would like to emphasize that the implementation of these commitments is primarily guided by the European Union’s strategy known as the Global Gateway. Under the Global Gateway initiative, the European Union is strengthening its long-term commitments to Central Asia by promoting development, regional connectivity, and opportunities for your people. This initiative is not only about building roads, energy links or digital infrastructure – it is about building bridges between people, ideas, and opportunities. It reflects the EU’s vision of a partnership based on shared prosperity, resilience, and mutual benefit. A key pillar of this cooperation is skills development – aligning education and vocational training with the green and digital transitions that are reshaping our economies. Through investment, partnership, and innovation, the Global Gateway connects education with employment, ambitions with opportunity, and empowers the next generation to take charge of their own future. 

Esteemed guests, Ministers, your presence here reflects not only a strong desire for cooperation and mutually beneficial solutions but also the commitment to put in the work required to unlock your region’s immense potential. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege to serve and travel extensively in this region, and I have seen firsthand the talent, determination, and opportunities that exist there. There is vast potential across your countries, and I firmly believe that education is the key to unlocking it. Policies must align education with the needs of your and the labour market, creating flexible systems that respond to today’s global challenges. Political will is essential for cross – border cooperation, but it is not enough on its own. Initiative and functioning platforms are equally crucial. This is where the DARYA project comes in: it provides the framework to overcome obstacles, build lasting solutions, and support cooperation. The Roadmap for Future Cooperation in Skills Development that this meeting will draft is a concrete example of how DARYA helps translate dialogue into action. 

I look forwards to a future – ten, twenty years from now – when Central Asia can stand as a beacon of transformative cross-border cooperation. That journey has already begun, and I am excited to see how far it will take you.

For now, esteemed guests, I wish for you very productive two days.

Thank you.