As part of the 12th Slovenian Development Days and the 2nd Global Knowledge Management Week, we were honored to host a panel discussion focused on the critical role of lifelong learning in public institutions. This discussion highlighted how ongoing investment in employee development is key to fostering a strong organizational culture and driving institutional growth and societal progress.

Distinguished speakers, including Edvin Skrt, Director General, Directorate for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid, Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs; Mojca Pirnat, Director General, Budget Directorate, Ministry of Finance; Peter Pogačar, Director General, Public Sector Directorate, Ministry of Public Administration; Vlado Dimovski, PhD, from the University of Ljubljana; and Ivana Nedižavec Korada, Deputy Director at CEF, shared their insights on how public institutions can adapt to today’s rapidly changing world. The discussion was moderated by Ajda Turk, Head of the Leadership and Learning Ecosystems Team at the CEF.

The panelists noted that public institutions, faced with climate challenges, economic uncertainty, an aging workforce, and high employee turnover, must prioritize learning and development to stay resilient and effective. By fostering lifelong learning, public institutions not only enhance their internal capacities but also contribute to a stronger economy and a more equitable society. The panelists stressed that embracing continuous learning allows institutions to evolve into dynamic learning organizations, better equipped to meet the complex demands of the modern world. Additionally, the event highlighted how this strategic approach strengthens external partnerships and international cooperation, particularly through Slovenia’s development cooperation initiatives with partner countries.