15 – 16 April 2026, Podgorica, Montenegro

 ReSPA, in collaboration with the Belgian Federal Public Service for Policy and Support (BOSA), hosted a two-day intensive training programme titled “Effective Learning & Development for Training Managers”, gathering training managers and public administration professionals from across the Western Balkans, Eastern Neighbourhood regions, as well as Croatia and Slovenia, aiming to strengthen capacities for designing and delivering impactful, modern training programmes.

They explored key aspects of modern training management, including needs assessment, curriculum design, the use of digital and AI tools, and the evaluation of training effectiveness. Designed to be practical and forward-looking, the workshop helped participants translate knowledge into better training, stronger learning experiences, and improved institutional results. At the same time, it offered them a valuable opportunity to learn not only from the Belgian experience but also from one another, reinforcing the importance of regional exchange in advancing public sector learning and development.

Director Handjiska-Trendafilova underlined the strategic importance of investing in learning and development systems within public administrations:  “Training managers and trainers play a crucial role - not only as organisers of learning, but as enablers of institutional development, promoters of innovation, and partners in building professional, accountable, and citizen-oriented public services”, highlighted Handjiska-Trendafilova at the opening.

Mr Bernard Brunet, Head of Cooperation Section at the Delegation of the European Union to Montenegro, also addressed participants, underlining the EU’s continued support for public administration reform in the region. He stressed the importance of professional, transparent, and efficient administrations as a cornerstone of the EU integration process.

The first day of the training focused on foundational and strategic aspects of learning and development, allowing participants to engage in an introductory exercise on training effectiveness, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of curriculum design. Two distinguished experts from BOSA led the first day of the Workshop: Peter Vandenbruaene, Manager for Key Skills Development, and Mélanie Recour, Project Leader for Learning Solutions, who brought extensive experience in training design and public-sector capacity building.

Key sessions included: Training Needs Assessment (TNA) as a cornerstone of curriculum design, Global Curriculum Design, emphasising multi-dimensional inputs for building comprehensive training offers, Course-related Curriculum Design, covering the full cycle from needs analysis to defining SMART learning objectives, applying taxonomies, and selecting appropriate didactic tools and Development of training plans and course programmes, including the application of flipped learning methodologies

The second day shifts focus toward innovation, practical application, and evaluation. Core topics included: Digital and AI tools for effective training courses, exploring how emerging technologies can enhance learning engagement and outcomes; Consulting skills for training managers, enabling them to better support institutional learning needs; Training evaluation, including both conceptual frameworks and practical implementation methods; and Integration exercise, allowing participants to apply acquired knowledge in a comprehensive, hands-on scenario.

This interactive programme aligns with OECD SIGMA principles, reinforcing the importance of professional and efficient public administration systems. It places particular emphasis on equipping training managers with practical tools and methodologies to design evidence-based, learner-centred training programmes.

Participants gained enhanced skills in: applying adult learning principles, conducting effective training needs analyses, designing measurable and impactful learning objectives, and integrating digital platforms such as LMS and LXP and evaluating training outcomes for continuous improvement

By bringing together regional practitioners and international expertise, ReSPA continues to foster knowledge exchange and promote innovation in public sector training systems. This initiative contributes to building resilient, future-ready administrations across the Western Balkans.