Mr. Deputy Minister of Education of the Republic of Belarus,

Ladies and gentlemen,

I am delighted to join you today at the VI Republican Competition of Professional Skills 'ProfSkills Belarus 2025' – the event that shapes the future.

The world is confronted with multiple crises. Complex challenges and opportunities pierce all the fabrics of our society. 

They demand innovative solutions and adaptability. 

In today’s world – Digitalization, Automation, Artificial Intelligence are reshaping economies and redefining labor markets worldwide.

The scale of this transformation is staggering. 

By 2030, 19 million new tech jobs will emerge globally. This signals the urgent need for workforce readiness.

UNDP recognizes this shift. We are strategically focused on fostering new jobs. 

But not only new professions are emerging. New skills are a must.

Belarus clearly understands this imperative, and "ProfSkills Belarus 2025" is proof of that vision.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Progress isn't just about technology. It's fundamentally about people – who can learn and adapt throughout their lives.

Vocational education is key to this mission.

To be relevant in the fast-changing world, vocational education can’t remain static. 

It must keep pace, adapt, and lead. It must be future-ready.

To turn this vision into reality, we have taken decisive action. 

Allow me to introduce 4 key areas of our interventions. 

First, through strategic foresight we pioneered the “Jobs of the Future” study. 

There we identified future professions and skillsets needed in agriculture, construction and machinery. 

We also created evidence to drive meaningful curriculum reform and policy updates. 

Second, we understand that education must evolve in lockstep with industry demands to remain relevant. 

With this in mind, we partnered with VET institutions and industry leaders to develop 15 new professions and mapped out over 100 core competencies for the future workforce. 

Roles like robotic system operators and neural network dispatchers, which might sound like science fiction just a few years ago, are now real career paths.

Thirdly, we knew that strategies alone aren’t enough. To bridge theory and practice we supported the establishment of 3 competence centers, equipped with advanced technology.

They aren’t showrooms but dynamic hubs, where talent can meld with technology.

And finally, the future belongs to the prepared. The skilled. The adaptable.

That is why, we have trained over 200 teachers and trainers across 23 competencies – from mechatronics to atomic-hydrogen welding to smart plumbing. 

These roles aren’t distant dreams. They are new arrivals in today’s world of employment. 

None of it would be possible without our strong partnership with the Ministry of Education and the Republican Institute for Vocational Education, made possible through funding from the Russian Federation.

Ladies and gentlemen, 

The future is shaped by the choices we make today – together.

That is why UNDP remains committed to working with national and international partners who share the vision for skills-based development and technological advancement.

Thank you!