The Regional Conference titled “Work Education Entrepreneurship Chain in the Western Balkans” took place on October 1st 2024 in Tirana, focusing on the innovation of Vocational Education and Training (VET) for green skills and sustainable development.
Funded by the Erasmus+ EU Education and Culture Agency, the conference brought together a vibrant group of participants, primarily youth and students, experts, academia, policymakers, governors, business and civil society representatives from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Kosovo, and Albania.
Hosted by ICID Albania (The Center- Institute of Collaboration for Integration and Development) the local partner of the project, this event was organized as a joint action of the BalVET- WEEC project partner organizations: “Aktyvistams” the Coordinator from Lithuania, Global Skills Network from Estonia, the Sarajevo School of Science and Technology from Bosnia and Herzegovina, University of “Donja Gorica” from Montenegro and the “Universium” College of Kosova.
The conference featured keynote speeches from renowned experts, interactive panel discussion, workshops and on-site study discussions experiences. The conference aimed to address the urgent need for sustainable practices in education and entrepreneurship, with a particular emphasis on equipping the next generation with the green skills necessary for a green economy including some of the following key highlights:
Innovative VET Practices, through presentations on cutting-edge vocational training programs that integrate green skills into curricula, demonstrating how these practices can prepare students for emerging job markets focused on sustainability.
Youth Engagement, through Interactive workshops allowed participants to share their experiences and ideas, fostering a collaborative environment where students actively contributed to discussions about the future of VET in their countries.
The conference linked VET innovation to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, emphasizing the role of education in achieving environmental sustainability and social equity.
The conference addressed ways of bridging the Skills Gap, examining the current educational landscape, highlighting the need for curricula that align with market demands and equip students with practical skills.
This event also contributes in fostering a culture of entrepreneurship. Success stories from local entrepreneurs were shared, showcasing innovative approaches of entrepreneurship education that inspire and empower youth such as study trip to the Center of Creative Technologies, Innovative Businesses at “Air Albania”, meeting innovative entrepreneurs in Tirana Castle etc.
This event created networking opportunities were participants connected with educators, policymakers, industry leaders, civil society representatives creating pathways for future collaborations and initiatives aimed at enhancing the VET landscape in the Western Balkans.
Mr. Pavol Krempasky from the Education and Culture Executive Agency(ECEA) of the EU Commission attended the event. In his speech, he focused on the EU vision for VET and addressed the highlights of the project implementation, particularly in the context of the European future of the Balkans.
The Conference concluded with a series of actionable recommendations aimed at integrating green skills into VET programs across the region, ensuring that young people are not only prepared for the workforce but also equipped to lead sustainable change in their communities. This conference marks a significant step toward fostering a culture of innovation and sustainability in vocational education, paving the way for a greener future in the Western Balkans.
Preparaed by,
ICID Albania Tirana on October 2nd 2024