Budva, (MINA-BUSINESS) – It was stated at a conference organized by the Regional Challenge Fund (RCF)that when countries cooperate, they create strong synergies that accelerate progress, and the economies of the Western Balkans share a common vision of education that promotes innovation, solidarity, and sustainability.

Director General of the Directorate for General Secondary and Vocational Education at Montenegro’s Ministry of Education, Science, and Innovation Marija Gosovic said at the conference titled “Smart Balkans: Shaping Skills for a Sustainable, Competitive Future – Navigating VET in a Digital & AI World”, that vocational education remains a constant focus of the Ministry.

“Digital technology, artificial intelligence, and the green transition are changing the world of work faster than ever. That is why today we no longer talk only about professions, but about the skills of the future – digital, green, entrepreneurial, and communication skills. Our task as policymakers is to ensure that every child and young person has access to quality education that prepares them not only for the labour market but also for life,” Gosovic said.

She added that the strength of the region lies in cooperation.

“By exchanging experiences, we learn from one another, plan together, and in doing so build a smarter, more connected, and more competitive Balkans,” Gosovic said at the event, which brought together key stakeholders from the fields of vocational education and training, business, and international institutions from across the region.

The purpose of the conference was to connect skills, business, and innovation within the context of digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and sustainable development in the Western Balkans.

In her video address, Heike Bakofen-Varneke, Head of the Department for Southeast and Eastern Europe at Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), reflected on the achievements and results of the first three RCF calls, noting that a total of €44 million had been invested.

“RCF has managed to mobilize €2.6 million in private capital. All this proves that this innovative instrument meets the real needs of businesses on the ground. As a regional fund, it also supports the alignment of the entire region with EU education standards,” said Bakofen-Varneke.