1

Day

Day 1 – 26 March 2024

12:30 – 13:30

Visit through the Labyrinth of Skills

Registration

Reception and Networking

13:30 – 15:00

Opening Session

ModeratorModerator: Olta Manjani, Deputy Minister of Economy, Culture, and Innovation:

Opening Remarks
Blendi Gonxhja, Minister of Economy, Culture, and Innovation
Monica Merino, UNDP Resident Representative to Albania
Ruth Huber, Swiss Ambassador to Albania
Silvio Gonzato, EU Ambassador to Albania

Edi Rama, Prime Minister of the Republic of Albania

15:00 – 15:45

Break

Opportunity for participants to meet and exchange with VET students working in the Skills Labs

Session 1

15:45 – 17:15

How to optimise the VET system fit for just transitions?

Keynote speaker: Olta Manjani, Deputy Minister of Economy, Culture & Innovation

Moderator Moderator: Eno Ngjela, UNDP Programme Specialist for Inclusive Growth and Employment

Panelists:
• Bujar Bakiu, Managing Director at the Data Max
• Albana Shkurta, Managing Director at Lufthansa Industry Solutions
• Michael Johnson, Project Director, EU for Social Inclusion, GOPA
• Daniela Nuredini, British Council Albania
• Etleva Vertopi, GIZ, VET Manager

Video message by European Training Foundation Director, Pilvi Torsti

17:15 – 18:00

Reception and Networking

2

Day

Day 2 – 27 March 2024

09:00 – 9:30

Opening Remarks

Belinda Balluku, Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Albania

Showcasing “Blite” app by “Unyo” & Albanian CT Academy, the winners of the EU Codeweek Presentation by students of the Hermann Gmenier school

Hubert Perr, Head of Cooperation, EU Delegation to Albania
Philipp Arnold, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Switzerland
Iven Schad, Head of German Cooperation in Albania

Session 2

9:30 – 11:00

How to stimulate private sector engagement in VET delivery?

Keynote speaker: Prof. em. Dr. Dieter Euler, St.Gallen University, Switzerland

Moderator Gladiola Dona, Founder of Hospitality and Tourism Academy

Panelists:
• Mirela Kumbaro, Minister of Tourism and Environment
• Grid Shaqiri, Menager, MK Hotel
• Klevis Hysa, General Director, National Agency for Employment and Skills
• Fation Dragoshi, Project Manager, Skills for Jobs, Swisscontact
• Elvis Kotherja, Managing Director, Elite Travel, SDG pioneer
• Arjeta Puca, Founder, TIMAK shpk

11:00 – 11:30

Break

Session 3

11:30 – 13:00

How to diversify approaches to human capital development for a dynamic labour market and innovative economy?

Keynote speaker: Delina Ibrahimaj, Minister of State for Entrepreneurship and Business Climate

Moderator Enkelejd Musabelliu, Ekspert i Politikave Publike dhe Klimën e Biznesit

Panelists:
• Ekaterina Solovova, EBRD Head of Albania
• Maksim Caslli, CEO, American Capital
• Roden Pajaj, Chair, Labour & Ethics Committee, AmCham

Policy Challenge Presenters
• Gerta Bilali, Executive Director, Confindustria Albania
• Drini Imami, Lecturer, Agriculture University of Tirana

Lunch and Networking

Session 4

14:00 – 15:30

How to Design Policies for Lifelong Learners and a Skilled Economy?

Keynote speaker: Maria do Carmo Gomes, Senior Expert on Skills Development and Employment

Moderator Gerda Sula, University of Tirana, Faculty of Social Sciences

Panelists:

• Ogerta Manastirliu, Minister of Education and Sports
• Ejvis Gishti, General Director, National Agency for VET and Qualifications
• Mirlinda Bushati, UNICEF, Education Specialist
• Edlira Muedini, Project Manager, Risi Albania
• Afrim Osmani, Founder and CEO, Global Entrepreneurship Academy
• Hatixhe Bilibashi, Founder and CEO, Albanian ICT Academy, STEM Albania

15:30 – 15:45

Takeaways and Closing Remarks

Olta Manjani, Olta Manjani, Deputy Minister of Economy, Culture & Innovation