On December 12, 2024, the V International Forum “Human Capital: Value. Quality. Development” was held, organised by the National Qualifications Agency. The event was aimed at promoting the development of the national economy, strengthening human capital and Ukraine’s integration into the European Qualifications Framework, as well as identifying areas for the development of the National Qualifications System and aligning the labour market with current knowledge and skills.
“Together we are moving and changing the qualifications system and its functioning in higher education. The main aspiration of both agencies is to build quality approaches to the awarding of professional qualifications,” said Andrii Butenko, Head of the National Agency for Quality Assurance in Higher Education, during the panel discussion “Awarding of Professional Qualifications for Higher Education Institutions”, moderated by Bohdan Morklianyk, NAQA Vice Head, member of the National Qualifications Agency. The speaker focused the attention of his colleagues on the importance of higher education institutions’ awareness of the boundaries of the concept of “qualification”, overcoming formalism in approaches to awarding qualifications, and orientation of study programmes towards students as future professionals. NAQA Member Olena Kolesnikova presented the stakeholders’ point of view, shared her own and international experience in implementing professional standards, emphasising the importance of their adaptation to the needs of the modern labour market.
This year, for the first time, qualification centres participated in the forum, presenting video materials on assessment processes and the validation of practical skills. Special attention was given to the recognition of qualifications obtained through non-formal or informal education and qualifications acquired abroad. For example, colleagues from the Ukrainian Qualification Centre for Unmanned Aircraft Operators LLC shared their experience in conducting the procedure for confirming qualifications and practical skills in five military-related specialties.
The Forum highlighted the importance of investing in human capital as a key catalyst for Ukraine’s economic development.