Declaration from the 2015 ‘Moving Skills Forward Together’ international Torino Process conference in Turin, June 3-4, 2015.

‘We, the ministers for vocational education and training (VET), the representatives of government departments for VET employment and the economy, the representatives of social partners, representatives of VET centres and VET institutions from the partner countries, meeting in Turin for the ETF International Conference “Moving Skills Forward together”, hereby adopt the present declaration:
1. Bearing in mind the priority recommendations of the Torino process 2014 validated by all ETF partner countries;
2. Acknowledging that the Torino Process is now an established instrument for monitoring and supporting VET reforms across partner countries and for policy learning within and between the countries;
3. Recognising that system-wide and system-deep implementation of policies require further attention, time and resources.
4. Taking inspiration from the principles in VET development within the EU 2020 Strategy for a smart sustainable and inclusive growth,
5. Considering the Council conclusions on the Review of the European Neighbourhood Policy adopted in April 2015 and the EU Enlargement Strategy 2014-15;
6. Recalling the 2013 Torino Process Declaration, where we reaffirmed policy priorities;
7. Recalling and drawing inspiration from the Copenhagen Process and the Bruges Communique, and considering the recent developments under the VET 2015 Review process;
8. Recognising that, while we live in times of global economic crisis, characterised by high unemployment, social exclusion and demographic imbalances, which threaten the integrity of societies, including equal opportunities and implementation of the rule of law, this is at the same time an opportunity for positive change.
9. Acknowledging that most partner countries face a special challenge to respond to skills needs, given that their economies are dominated by micro- and SMEs. We:
10. Underline that investing efficiently in the development of skills and lifelong learning systems is essential for human capital development, growth, competitiveness, productivity and social and territorial cohesion;
11.  Recognise the need for joint responsibility of the public and private sectors, including SMEs, for articulating demand and in the design, development and delivery of VET;
12. Underline the importance of developing the capabilities of social partners, so that they contribute fully in the field of skills,
13. Emphasise a common vision of VET integral to the wider society and countries’ development and identifying the necessary actions which will make the vision a reality;
14. Affirm that twenty-first century economies require citizens to be resourceful and to be capable of dealing with labour market uncertainty, to acquire and update both key competences, including entrepreneurial competence and occupational skills, which are needed for business performance and individuals’ career and self-development;
15. Recognise that in our globalised and changing world, individuals need labour-market relevant and understandable qualifications, which give evidence of their skills and allow them to be more mobile, equip them to change jobs and develop their careers.
16. Emphasise that effective governance for quality VET is multilevel, engaging national actors and social partners, regional authorities as well as providers, local companies and civil society representatives and is based on mutual trust,
17. Acknowledge the necessity to VET systems of quality initial training and continuous professional development for VET teachers, trainers, in-company trainers and instructors;
18. Recognise that a robust quality assurance system, including common quality criteria, monitoring and evaluation processes and indicators, is an essential element in a quality VET system;
19. Pledge to promote VET’s appeal to learners as a first career and education choice by modernising provision, offering more flexible ways of learning, enhancing self-directed learning, work-based learning in partnerships with employers; ensure opportunities for more equitable access and greater participation in VET, including for disadvantaged people; encourage employers to increase opportunities for apprenticeship; ensuring access to higher VET, higher education and labour market, providing career guidance and by showcasing VET excellence in our countries;
20. Recognise that production, dissemination and use of reliable and relevant data is a prerequisite for evidence-based policy-making in skills, underline the need to continue improving such evidence through the engagement of stakeholders, integrating monitoring tools into a comprehensive system, including benchmarking;
21. Reaffirm that monitoring skills and VET policies is fundamental for VET reforms, allowing corrective measures to be undertaken and lessons learned from experience.
Therefore, we:
22. Agree to integrate VET and skills development in human capital development policies, so maximising their contribution to economic growth, competitiveness and social cohesion; and creating opportunities for individuals to transform their lives;
23. Agree to continue adhering to the Torino Process principles of national ownership, collective governance through participation of multiple stakeholders, holistic approach and evidence-backed, transparent and accountable decision-making;
24. Reaffirm that policy analysis in view of progress monitoring followed up by impact assessment models that document the policy action, are fundamental for resultoriented public policies;
25. Agree to give priority to VET and to ensure the necessary resources for the adopted recommendations and identified policy options implementation.