RCF Successfully Organized Annual Regional Conference

The Annual Regional Conference of the Regional Challenge Fund (RCF) was held on 12 June 2024 in Tirana under the title “Realizing Opportunities: Building Human Capital in the Western Balkans 6 for Integration into the EU Single Market”. The event provided a platform for regional dialogue and the exchange of best practices among key stakeholders in vocational education and training (VET).

The central theme was the critical aspect of human capital development within the context of the European Union integration of the Western Balkans, a momentum further strengthened by the EU Growth Plan.

“The focus of this conference is investment in the development of human capital in the Western Balkans with the aim of integration into the EU market, emphasizing the promotion of economic growth and workforce capacities”, said Olta Manjani, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Economy, Culture, and Innovation of Albania at the opening.

She emphasized the significance of implementing lifelong learning policies and building partnerships with the private sector to achieve sustainable economic development and pave the way for integration into the EU market.

Ines Mucostepa, Member of the Western Balkans 6 Chamber Investment Forum Managing Board and President of the Union of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Albania underlined the importance of human capital development in the Western Balkans and the need for joint investments to address challenges in the field of employment and the green economy.

She expresses her belief in the creation of a common regional market and strengthening cooperation in training and developing human capacities.

“It is crucial to act together to address the challenges and create strong financial mechanisms to support this goal. Only by investing together can we contribute to closing the gap in our economies”, Mucostepa concluded.

The organiser, the Regional Challenge Fund works on enhancing the sustainable competitiveness of businesses in the Western Balkans on the path towards the EU single market by financing vocational education and training providers that address skill needs in cooperation with companies. It is a unique financial mechanism funded by the governments of Germany and Switzerland that also serves as a platform for collaboration, fostering regional dialogue and harmonised approaches to human capital development in the Western Balkans.

In partnership with the Ministry of Economy, Culture, and Innovation of the Republic of Albania, the main panel titled “Vocational Education and Training Systems of the Western Balkans as a Driving Force of Economic Growth: Reform Priorities and Challenges,” saw the participation of the heads of VET agencies from the region engaged in a conversation on the current landscape of VET in the region and the ways forward.

“Investment in human capital is key to economic progress and European integration, serving as a driving force for sustainable growth and the advancement of society. Prioritizing education, training, skills development lays the foundations for an inclusive society and promotes innovation, productivity and competition at the global level”, said Andjela Jaksic-Stojanovic, Minister of Education, Science and Innovation of Montenegro. 

She added that initiatives such as modular education systems in Montenegro and the integration of digital tools aim to prepare students for the labour market.

Under the guidance of the German Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB) from Bonn, a new instrument the VET Chain was piloted in a closed event on day 2 of the conference. The instrument helps raise awareness about the importance of sustainability along the supply chain in the field of vocational education and training.

“Since the supply chains are global and we have our sustainable development goals set, we do not only need to focus on different stations of the value chain but also to raise awareness and sensitivity towards sustainable vocational education, said the workshop facilitator, Ms. Hannelore Kress, Senior Project Manager, German Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB).

“This is important in order to keep the young people working further for the company and multiply this awareness-raising effect and experience to produce better and more just products”, Kress explained.

The first panel session at the conference provided invaluable insights on “Vocational Education and Training Systems of the Western Balkans as a Driving Force of Economic Growth: Reform Priorities and Challenges.”

Co-hosted by the Ministry of Economy, Culture, and Innovation of Albania, the session highlighted the role of vocational education and training systems in fostering economic growth across the Western Balkans. Our esteemed panelists delivered thought-provoking discussions:

• Klevis Hysa, Head of the National Agency for Employment and Skills, Albania
• Mirjana Kovacevic, Director of the Business Academy, Head of Education, Dual Education and Educational Policies Centre, Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia
• Jelena Bojovic, Department of International Cooperation and Projects, Centre for Vocational Education, VET Centre, Montenegro
• Mevlane Zulfiqari, Head of Unit for Quality Assurance, Development and Cooperation, Adult Education Centre, North Macedonia

Moderated by:

• Olta Manjani, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Economy, Culture, and Innovation of Albania
  
  

The second panel session on “Organized Business Sector Initiatives for Enhancing Workforce Development in the Western Balkans“ explored various initiatives from the organized business sector aimed at boosting workforce development across the Western Balkans, featuring distinguished speakers who shared their expertise and experiences:

• Ingrid Portenkirchner, Head of the Secretariat, Donor Committee for Dual Vocational Education (DC VET)
• Besim Mustafa, Director of the Department for International Cooperation, Kosova Chamber of Commerce 
• Mladen Perazic, Director of Education and Quality Department, Chamber of Economy of Montenegro
• Trajce Karov, Economic Chamber of North Macedonia and Marquardt 
• Lidija Matijas, Senior Advisor, Dual Education and Educational Policies Centre, Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia

Moderated by:

• Balsa Culafic, RCF CIF Project Coordinator, Chamber of Commerce Montenegro
  
  

The Perspectives Panel I titled “Greening Cooperative Vocational Education and Training for Sustainable Economic Growth,” featured esteemed speakers who shared invaluable insights on integrating green practices into vocational education for a sustainable future:

• Hannelore Kress, Senior Project Manager, German Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB)
• Danijela Manic, Director, College of Applied Studies Aviation Academy, Belgrade, Serbia 
• Danijela Kovac, WB6 CIF National Coordinator, Foreign Trade Chamber of Commerce, Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Stevan Zivkovic, Head of Network Management Sector, CEDIS, Montenegro 
• Vera Chilari, Project Coordinator, International Labour Organization, Moldova 

Moderator:

• Marina Braletic, High School of Electrical Engineering Vaso Aligrudic, Podgorica
   

Perspectives Panel II  titled “Boosting Digital Transition and Cybersecurity through Vocational Education and Training,” brought together experts to discuss how vocational education can drive digital advancements and strengthen cybersecurity.

Speakers:

• Jan Peter Ganter De Otero, Human Capital Development Expert – Country Liaison for Bosnia and Herzegovina, European Training Foundation
• Vincent Roessle, CTO, Holberton School, France
• Snezana Saramandova, Professor, Municipal School Bogdanci, North Macedonia
• Çelik Nimani, Managing Director, Southeast Europe, Kin+Carta, Kosovo
• Belma Ramić-Brkić, Dean CS Department, Sarajevo School of Science and Technology, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Moderator:

• Elton Domnori, Vice Dean, Faculty of Computer Science and ICT, Metropolitan University Tirana

The event gathered representatives of the ministries and governmental bodies in charge of vocational education, officials from the Western Balkans 6 Chamber Investment Forum (WB6 CIF), chambers of commerce from the region, the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), KfW Development Bank, Swiss Embassy, providers of vocational education and training who won the RCF grants for their cooperative training programmes with their partnering companies.

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