European Trade Union Committee for Education

Education trade unions from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan and Tajikistan met in Tbilisi for the Go Public East strategic seminar, co-organised by Education International, ETUCE and the Educators and Scientists Free Trade Union of Georgia. The seminar focused on strengthening strategies linked to the Go Public! Fund Education campaign and the recommendations of the UN High-Level Panel on the Teaching Profession. The Minister of Education, Science and Youth of Georgia, Givi Mikanadze, took part in the opening session, repeatedly emphasising the importance of social dialogue and the strong partnership with the organisers

Discussions highlighted social dialogue as a cornerstone of effective education systems. As ETUCE European Director Jelmer Evers stated, “One of the core tenets of a good education system is social dialogue between the profession and governments.” Participants stressed that sustained and meaningful dialogue between governments and teacher trade unions is essential to develop sound education policies and improve working conditions.

The Georgian experience was presented as a positive example of how long-term cooperation between authorities and the teachers’ union has contributed to progress on salaries, professional development and legislative engagement, while acknowledging that further improvements are still needed.

Investment in teachers emerged as a shared priority across the region. Low salaries, high workloads and teacher shortages continue to undermine the attractiveness of the profession, highlighting the need for improved pay, working conditions and professional development opportunities.

The seminar also explored how the UN High-Level Panel recommendations can support unions in strategic planning, campaigning and organising, reinforcing the role of strong teacher trade unions in promoting quality public education and democratic societies.