UNICEF, in collaboration with the European Union and the Committee on Technical and Vocational Education and Training, held an official opening ceremony for the Remote Job Center in Shugnan, Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region (GBAO) on October 8.

This center reportedly provides remote work opportunities and enhancing digital skills for young people in the region.  The event was attended by the Deputy Chairperson of Shugnan District, the Deputy Head of the Committee on Technical and Vocational Education and Training, representatives of the European Union Delegation to Tajikistan, UNICEF, the Ministry of Education and Science, the Ministry of Labor and Employment of the Population, as well as various partners.

The Remote Job Center in Shugnan, established with financial support from the European Union, is the sixth hub created across the country.  Currently, there are Remote Job Centers functioning in Dushanbe, Khorog, Khujand, Panjakent, and Bokhtar.

The center in Shugnan aims to empower youth by offering them pathways to meaningful employment and facilitating the development of essential skills necessary for success in today’s digital economy.  This initiative aligns with the Government of Tajikistan's vision for industrial development and economic growth, as highlighted by the President of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon.

"The establishment of the Remote Job Center here in Shugnan is an innovative solution to creating jobs in remote areas.  It offers young people the opportunity to remain in their communities while accessing global employment markets.  By staying connected to international job markets through this center, young people can bring skills, knowledge, and economic benefits back to their local communities, contributing to the overall development and competitiveness of Tajikistan.  The EU is pleased to have supported the creation of this center, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on the community and the region,” stated Mr. Raimundas Karoblis, the Head of Delegation and Ambassador of the Delegation of the European Union to Tajikistan.

“Today, we have a very special opportunity to open a center that is designed to give young people in Shugnan the chance to fulfill their hopes and dreams through meaningful work opportunities. UNICEF hopes that investments in young people and better access to meaningful work will help them choose to remain in the country, build a life and family here, and contribute to the economy and future of Tajikistan,” stated Eri Dwivedi, Deputy Representative, UNICEF Tajikistan.

The establishment of these centers is expected to reduce the skills mismatch in the labor market and prevent economic migration, ensuring that young people have viable opportunities to build their lives in Tajikistan. The center in Shugnan will work closely with local partners, including the Pamir Innovation Hub, to provide the necessary technical support for effective operations. This collaboration aims to enhance the employability of young people and contribute to the region's economic growth.

UNICEF and the European Union remain committed to investing in the future of Tajikistan's youth and believe that better access to meaningful work opportunities will enable young people to contribute positively to the country’s development.  Looking ahead, the remote job centers aim to expand their reach, especially to young people in rural areas, where they face the greatest challenges.

By focusing on digital skills training and remote work opportunities, the program creates a pathway for young people to secure employment without leaving the country.  In doing so, the Hub is directly addressing poverty by improving the socio-economic status of young people, offering a sustainable solution for both individual empowerment and national growth.

The establishment of the Remote Job Centers is particularly crucial as over half of Tajikistan's population is under the age of 30.  The Remote Job Center is part of UNICEF’s broader initiative, established in 2018, to develop a micro-work industry network in Tajikistan.  With financial support from the European Union, this hub will help promote remote working opportunities, build digital literacy, and equip young Tajiks with the skills they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving job market.  Since 2021, the Remote Job Centers trained over 7,000 young people across Tajikistan, helping them to gain the skills necessary to enter a digital-based workforce.  Now, approximately 3,000 adolescents and young people have found jobs through the centers.