FACTSHEET - Turin: Central Asian countries and the European Union united for skills
When: 📅 30–31 October 2025
Where: 📍 Turin, Villa Gualino – High-level roundtable of the EU-funded DARYA project
The event
For two days, Turin will be the centre of dialogue between Europe and Central Asia on the future of skills and youth employment. At Villa Gualino, home to the European Training Foundation (ETF) – the European Union agency based in the city since 1994 – the high-level roundtable of the DARYA (Dialogue and Action for Resourceful Youth in Central Asia) project will take place.
DARYA is a five-year, €10 million EU initiative dedicated to inclusive skills development in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. The event will bring together Deputy Ministers of Education and Labour from the five Central Asian countries, alongside representatives from the European Commission and the European External Action Service (EEAS).
Context
A historic crossroads between Europe and Asia, Central Asia plays an increasingly strategic role in the international landscape, particularly in light of recent geopolitical developments and global energy challenges. The DARYA project aims to strengthen the region’s education and vocational systems, create new opportunities for young people, and foster stable, results-oriented cooperation with Europe.
Agenda
- Welcome session by the ETF and the Polytechnic of Turin, followed by opening remarks from local and European authorities and working sessions on skills partnerships and shared priorities between Europe and Central Asia.
- Discussion and adoption of a roadmap for future cooperation on skills development.
- Study visits to centres of excellence in the Piedmont region, including APRO Formazione and the Ferrero plant in Alba – showcasing the link between skills, enterprise, and local development.
Key participants
- Deputy Ministers of Education and Labour of the five Central Asian countries
- Pilvi Torsti, Director, European Training Foundation (ETF)
- Stefano Lo Russo, Mayor of Turin
- Eduards Stiprais, EU Special Representative for Central Asia
- Elena Maria Baralis, Vice-Rector, Polytechnic of Turin
- Johannes Baur, European Union Delegation to Kazakhstan
- Fabienne Van Den Eede, Deputy Head of Unit, Directorate-General for International Partnerships (DG INTPA), European Commission
The European Training Foundation (ETF)
Based in Turin since 1994, the European Training Foundation (ETF) is the European Union agency supporting reforms in education, training, and employment systems in the EU’s neighbouring countries. Its Governing Board, chaired by the European Commission, brings together representatives from all 27 EU Member States.
Press contacts
Daria Santucci, +39 366 9639638, mediarelations@etf.europa.eu