The second information meeting with the Extended Working Group supporting the referencing and self-certification process of the Georgian National Qualifications Framework (GNQF) was held on 9 September via Zoom, organised by the Qualifications Development Service of the National Center for Educational Quality Enhancement (NCEQE), within the framework of the project “Strengthening the Implementation Capacity of the Georgian National Qualifications Framework Referencing and Self-Certification Processes” (GEOREF).
The main objective of the meeting was to present the working version of the Georgian National Qualifications Framework Referencing and Self-Certification Report, prepared within the GEOREF project, to the Extended Working Group for discussion and agreement. The meeting also provided an opportunity to update participants on the activities carried out and progress achieved under the project, as well as to receive feedback from the Working Group during the finalisation of the Report.

During the meeting, the Extended Working Group was presented with the working version of the Referencing and Self-Certification Report developed by the Working Group established by order of the Director of NCEQE to support the implementation of the GNQF self-certification and referencing processes.

The working version of the Report was discussed in detail with the members of the Extended Working Group. No substantive comments or recommendations concerning the document were submitted by the Working Group members.

The meeting also addressed the activities remaining until the completion of the GEOREF project and the next steps towards finalising the Report. The GEOREF project is scheduled to conclude in October 2026. During the remaining project period, work will therefore continue on the final editing of the Report, verification of the information and supporting materials reflected in the document, and preparation of its final version.

The Extended Working Group comprises representatives of:

•    sectoral ministries and regulatory authorities;
•    legal entities associated with the education sector;
•    independent research institutes and non-governmental organisations operating in the field of education;
•    sectoral associations and professional organisations;
•    general, vocational and higher education institutions.

The involvement of the Extended Working Group in the referencing and self-certification of the Georgian National Qualifications Framework against the European meta-frameworks – namely, the Qualifications Framework of the European Higher Education Area (QF-EHEA) and the European Qualifications Framework for Lifelong Learning (EQF-LLL) – is important for ensuring the transparency, credibility and inclusiveness of the process.

The participation of the Working Group also contributes to ensuring that Georgia’s education and qualifications system is reflected in the final Referencing and Self-Certification Report in a comprehensive and objective manner.

The GEOREF project is being implemented from October 2024 to October 2026 within the framework of the Erasmus+ Programme, with the financial support of the European Union and co-financing from NCEQE. The project aims to support the alignment of the Georgian National Qualifications Framework with the European qualifications frameworks and to promote the international comparability and recognition of Georgian qualifications.