WB6 CIF at the RCF Annual Regional Conference “Smart Balkans: Shaping Skills for a Sustainable, Competitive Future”
The Western Balkans 6 Chamber Investment Forum (WB6 CIF) participated in the RCF Annual Regional Conference “Smart Balkans: Shaping Skills for a Sustainable, Competitive Future – Navigating VET in a Digital and AI World,”held on 9 October 2025 in Budva, Montenegro. The event brought together representatives of regional and EU institutions, vocational education and training (VET) authorities, chambers of commerce, and private sector leaders to discuss how education and business cooperation can drive competitiveness, innovation, and sustainability in the Western Balkans.
Representing WB6 CIF, Mr. David Piegazki, Secretary General, took part in the high-level opening session and thematic discussions, emphasizing the importance of linking skills development with labour market needs and fostering stronger public–private partnerships across the region. He highlighted that rapid technological transformation — driven by digitalization, artificial intelligence, and the green transition — requires a strategic alignment of education systems with business priorities, ensuring a skilled and adaptable workforce ready for the future.
“It is a great honor to speak to you today as the Secretary General of the Western Balkans 6 Chamber Investment Forum (WB6 CIF) — the joint voice of more than 350,000 companies from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Montenegro, and Serbia. Our cooperation with the Regional Challenge Fund (RCF) is a strong example of regional solidarity and forward-looking development.
One of the key achievements of the RCF is the strong involvement of the business community. More than 1,500 companies have participated in RCF calls so far. By connecting businesses with vocational training institutions, the RCF helps create a new generation of skilled workers ready to meet market needs.
I want to celebrate the successes of the RCF and reaffirm CIF’s strong commitment to this partnership. Together, we are building a region where growth is driven by skills, innovation, and responsible business — one region, one economy, one future.”, said Mr. Piegazki stated in his addressing.
Mr. Piegazki underlined that WB6 CIF, as the regional platform representing chambers of commerce of all six Western Balkan economies, plays a vital role in bridging the private sector with education systems and promoting collaboration that supports both employability and competitiveness. Through ongoing initiatives within the Common Regional Market (CRM) and the EU Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, WB6 CIF contributes to shaping policies that help prepare the regional workforce for digital and green transitions.
The conference featured several thematic sessions, including:
- “Smart Bridges – Connecting Skills, Business & Europe’s Future in the AI Era”
- “AI, Automation & Skills: Is the Western Balkans Ready?”
- “Strategic Partnerships: Meeting Business Demands on the Road to the EU”
- “Green Skills for Growth: Aligning with EU Sustainability Standards”
Each session focused on how the region can better prepare for the opportunities and challenges of the digital and AI era, while ensuring sustainable development and inclusion. The discussions also addressed the importance of upskilling and reskilling, regional mobility, and the integration of digital tools into vocational training systems.
Organized by the Regional Challenge Fund (RCF) with the support of the German Development Bank (KfW) and the Governments of Germany and Switzerland, the conference reaffirmed the shared commitment to strengthening VET systems and connecting education with real labour market demands.
The insights and recommendations from the conference will contribute to ongoing efforts within the Berlin Process and the Common Regional Market framework, ensuring that human capital development, innovation, and workforce readinessremain at the heart of regional economic integration and sustainable growth.
