Within the framework of the Vocational Education and Training Programme for the Member Countries of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC-VET), SESRIC launched the “OIC-TVET Strategic Roadmap 2035: Enhancing TVET for Youth Empowerment in OIC Member Countries” during the 42^nd Session of the Standing Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (COMCEC), held from 31 October to 3 November 2026 in Istanbul.

Prepared with contributions from the national TVET institutions and relevant ministries of OIC member countries, the Roadmap provides a long-term strategic framework for modernising vocational education and training systems and responding to structural challenges in labour markets through 2035.

The Roadmap addresses a range of interconnected dimensions, including the employment and skills needs of growing youth populations, young people not in employment, education or training (NEET), matching skills with work requirements, increasing the formality in labour-markets, and new circumstances formed as a result of digital and green transitions. Recognising different national contexts and institutional capacities, the Roadmap sets out an adaptable strategic direction for improving employability, productivity, and expanding the outreach of TVET across OIC member countries.

The implementation of the Roadmap is structured around six cross-cutting pillars and three Priority Areas.:

Cross-cutting pillars:

1. Access for All and Comprehensiveness: Promoting inclusive access to TVET opportunities across different population groups and geographical areas.
2. Labour Market Relevance and Demand-Driven Approaches: Aligning skills development and training provision with evolving labour-market and employer requirements.
3. Quality Assurance and Continuous Improvement: Strengthening standards for curricula, training provision, facilities, qualifications and certification.
4. Evidence-Based Policymaking and Monitoring: Using data and performance indicators to monitor progress, assess results and refine interventions.
5. Partnerships and Multi-Stakeholder Engagement: Strengthening cooperation with private-sector institutions, social partners, civil society organisations, and other relevant stakeholders.
6. Sustainability and Resilience: Enhancing the capacity of TVET systems to respond to economic shocks, climate-related transitions and technological change.

Priority Areas:

1. Governance and Financing of TVET: Optimising institutional governance arrangements, improving financing mechanisms and supporting sustainable investment in vocational education and training.
2. Enhancing Impact, Attractiveness and Quality Improvement: Modernising curricula; expanding short-term training and lifelong learning programmes; integrating artificial intelligence, digital competencies and green skills; strengthening the capacities of teachers and trainers; and improving the attractiveness and social standing of TVET.
3. Strengthening Intra-OIC Collaboration and Partnerships: Promoting South-South cooperation, peer learning, institutional twinning and partnerships with private-sector institutions and relevant international organisations.

As the main executing OIC organ of the OIC-VET Programme, SESRIC will continue to support OIC member countries in advancing their TVET systems in line with the strategic directions set out in the Roadmap.

Online Electronic Version

• OIC-TVET Strategic Roadmap 2035: Enhancing TVET for Youth Empowerment in OIC Member Countries (English) (Arabic) (French)