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“The ultimate goal of the Draft Education Development Strategy 2030 is to form an effective and internationally competitive educational system based on national and universal values, aimed at the development of the Republic of Armenia. It will give an individual the opportunity to receive a quality education in accordance with his/her needs and abilities at all stages of life, to ensure the individual’s competitive professional training in order to build his/her own well-being in his/her country, as well as an active civic position,” the RA Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports Vahram Dumanyan noted during the discussion organized by the Standing Committee on Science, Education, Culture, Diaspora, Youth and Sport on October 21. The draft law on Approving the Draft Education Development Strategy 2030 of the Republic of Armenia was at the core.

The program went through an ongoing comprehensive, participatory process, including the beneficiaries of the sector, as well as international partners.

The program was implemented in three strategic directions: creating a universal, inclusive, learner-centered educational environment throughout the Republic of Armenia, increasing the effectiveness of education aimed at ensuring the efficiency of management and efficient and targeted use of resources at all levels, from educational institutions to state bodies. Next is the internationalization and export of educational services and products, profitably transforming the role of Armenia in the global education system.

According to Vahram Dumanyan, as a result of complex measures, the number of about 7.600 foreign students will at least double in 2030. It is planned to provide state scholarships and compensation to high-achieving, but socially vulnerable students in the professional and higher education system, excluding the cases of expulsion of such students from the university due to insolvency.

From the point of view of ensuring continuous education, the introduction of mechanisms for accounting and transferring credits of formal and non-formal education in the system of continuous and additional education of general, vocational and higher education. The Minister spoke about the creation of a register of non-formal educational programs. It was noted that art, fine arts, music and sports schools, kindergartens, centers will have common standards of activity.

The continuous development of education opportunities for adults was emphasized. Opportunities for Armenians around the world to receive an Armenian education will be expanded.

The Minister informed that the Government will also approve the action plan for the implementation of the program after the approval of the program by parliament, setting clear time targets and coast estimates.

“We are all beneficiaries of education, from an individual to the state, therefore we are also responsible. Accordingly, we can ensure the education of our children and young people suitable for the 21^st century only with joint efforts. Financial means for education are not an expense, but a necessary investment for the development of the state and society, for our tomorrow and future,” Vahram Dumanyan emphasized, concluding the speech.

The specialists of the field referred to the steps aimed at increasing the competitiveness of universities and the ranking process, the importance of carrying out research works in schools in addition to universities, the need for research-based education, the accessibility and availability of education for people with disabilities in the Q&A format, as well as during the speeches.

The Minister, the Deputy Minister Zhanna Andreasyan, Artur Martirosyan and Karen Trchunyan referred to the expressed concerns.

Organization of courses related to labor rights and specifics of relations for young people entering the labor market in high school and university was highlighted. Reference was made to the expediency of revising the licensing requirements of universities.

The Minister stated that universities should compete in accordance with the standards accepted in the international arena. In terms of compliance with international standards, Vahram Dumanyan expressed an opinion that the standards for building the university building should also be changed. Speaking about the necessary conditions for the accreditation and license of universities, he noted that successive steps should be taken in this process aimed at improving the sector step by step.

In response to the question, the Deputy Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports Artur Martirosyan informed that the UN Sustainable Development Goals were taken into account in the program, and the basis of the whole strategy is universal access to quality educational services.

There was a reference to the expediency of the enlargement of universities, the transparency of the process. An opinion was voiced that the problem should be the recovery of the system, and the issue will not be resolved, so some time is needed to assess the situation and find solutions.

“The participants of the discussion agree that there are problems in the field of education, which should be solved by joint efforts,” the Committee Chair Sisak Gabrielyan expressed such opinion, summarizing the discussion. An agreement was reached to make the discussions continuous.

Representatives of the Government, non-governmental organizations, universities, officials of the field of education took part in the discussion.