The forum will look into the country’s education sector, currently undergoing a comprehensive restructuring to produce more skilled workers for a knowledge-based market economy. 

"The conference will share good practices on K-12 transition as a key element of Azerbaijan’s move to a knowledge society,” said Betty Wilkinson, Director of Public Management, Financial Sector and Trade at ADB’s Central and West Asia Department.

The Government of Azerbaijan plans to realign its education system with international standards by enhancing the quality of skilled workers and facilitating access to all levels of education. One of the pillars of the country’s National Development Strategy 2020 is the extension of primary and secondary education to 12 school years, making student attendance obligatory until age 16.

Azerbaijan recently hosted ADB’s 48th Annual General Meeting in Baku, during which participants affirmed a vision for strengthening inclusive growth and innovation in the Asia-Pacific region. Human capital development is an important contribution to this growth. The forum will support regional dialogue on strengthening human capital by improving educational systems in the region.

ADB, based in Manila, is dedicated to reducing poverty in Asia and the Pacific through inclusive economic growth, environmentally sustainable growth and regional integration. Established in 1966, it is owned by 67 members – 48 from the region. In 2014, ADB assistance totaled $22.9 billion, including cofinancing of $9.2 billion.