An eleven-member delegation comprising Ukrainian parliamentarians and representatives of the Ministry of Education visited Switzerland and Germany with the aim of gaining inspiration for their own continuing education system. The conclusion: continuing education plays a central role in Ukraine\u2019s reconstruction, and there is great potential for professional cooperation between Switzerland and Ukraine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As skilled workers with the relevant competences and qualifications are needed to ensure the sustainable economic recovery and institutional reconstruction of Ukraine, continuing education will play a key role in the reconstruction process, the Ukrainian delegation made clear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Ukrainian parliament is currently engaged in intensive discussions on how to systematically embed lifelong learning, what programmes can be created and how these should be regulated by law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The delegation identified the professional integration of returnees and veterans after the end of the war as a major challenge, as there will be a high demand for further training within a short period of time. The aim is to significantly expand the capacity of the continuing education system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pilot initiatives are planned, such as new qualification centres offering tiered training programmes and flexible, modular training formats. Pilot projects will be implemented in collaboration with libraries, universities, local authorities and private sector partners. Additionally, procedures for recognising informally acquired skills are to be strengthened, particularly with a view to the further development of key occupational fields. Close cooperation with the business sector is considered central to this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In addition to professional qualifications, soft skills as well as media and political literacy are coming increasingly into focus. However, mental health challenges, particularly those linked to experiences of war, must also be taken into account.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Against this backdrop, the delegation was particularly interested in how continuing education is implemented in practice and institutionally embedded in Switzerland. The visit provided an opportunity both to gain practical insights and to deepen dialogue with key stakeholders at federal level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The highlight of the first day was the visit to EB Zurich. The continuing education institution welcomed the delegation to its premises and provided a practical insight into its work. Drawing on its programmes and projects, those present discussed the contribution digital learning can make to lifelong learning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On the second day in Bern, the delegation met with representatives of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), the Federal Council\u2019s Special Delegate for the labour market integration of people from Ukraine, representatives of the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) and the State Secretariat for Research, Education and Innovation (SERI).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The meeting with the SDC focused on Switzerland\u2019s past efforts and planned initiatives in Ukraine. The SDC has been active in Ukraine since the 1990s and has significantly expanded its support since 2022 \u2013 including in the areas of humanitarian aid and support for government and administration. In the field of further education, the focus is primarily on strengthening economic participation, employability and the resilience of the labour market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
During the meeting with Adrian Gerber, the Federal Council\u2019s Special Delegate for the labour market integration of people from Ukraine, and representatives of the State Secretariat for Migration, the focus was on integration, access to the labour market and the recognition of qualifications. Adrian Gerber presented the S protection status, which has offered people from Ukraine temporary protection as well as access to work and education since 2022. The dual approach aims to strengthen integration in Switzerland whilst simultaneously building skills for a future return to Ukraine. Issues relating to the recognition of qualifications and the framework conditions were also discussed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On the afternoon of the second day, State Secretary Martina Hirayama received the delegation and paid tribute to the bilateral relations between the two countries. Sabine Scheiben, Head of Continuing Education at SERI, also presented Switzerland\u2019s continuing education system. The mutual recognition of qualifications was also discussed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This was followed by a meeting with National Councillor Balthasar Gl\u00e4ttli at the Federal Palace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n