The conference provided a unique platform for participants to explore critical issues at the intersection of public finance, sustainability, and climate change. It was also the first public event to preview key concepts in the Climate-related Exposure Draft and Natural Resources Draft, submitted for approval at the International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board (IPSASB) meeting, allowing participants to provide direct feedback.

In her opening remarks, CEF Director Jana Repanšek emphasized the organization’s ongoing commitment to the green agenda. She explained, "Green topics are not new to the CEF. We have already collaborated with the Slovenian Ministry of Finance on green bond issuance and hosted a green finance conference last year with leaders from ministries and central banks in South East Europe." Repanšek added that developing green skills is a central focus of the CEF’s current work and will significantly enhance the capacity of public institutions in the region. She noted that while the Western Balkans are still in the early stages of adopting green practices, promising progress is underway, and urged institutions to act quickly, prioritizing transparency and collaboration.

Following these remarks, Iain Murray, Director of PFM at CIPFA, welcomed participants and emphasized the growing role of public finance in tackling climate change. "Improving sustainability reporting is just the beginning," he said. "We must ensure sustainability becomes a core part of decision-making across public institutions."

The conference then moved into keynote addresses by Bojan Kumer, Slovenia's Minister of Environment, Climate, and Energy, and Adrian Crompton, Auditor General of Wales. Minister Kumer highlighted Slovenia's commitment to the Western Balkans, emphasizing the region as a priority for development cooperation and EU integration. "By funding climate and environmental projects, we not only promote regional stability and economic growth but also support global environmental goals," he remarked.

Adrian Crompton’s address, "Setting the Context for Sustainable Public Finances," built on this topic, stressing the need for public sector reform to align with the green agenda. He pointed out that while green finance has progressed in the private sector, the public sector is still lagging. Mr. Crompton urged public institutions to embed sustainability into their decision-making processes, warning, "This is an interdisciplinary topic, and we cannot afford to overlook it."

In closing, Ms. Repanšek expressed gratitude for CIPFA's long-standing partnership: "For over 20 years, we have complemented each other’s strengths—CIPFA providing expertise in content, and the CEF sharing our regional knowledge and methods for supporting public sector learning."

The conference also marked the launch of the CEF project "Greening Human Capital of Public Institutions of the Western Balkans," supported by Slovenia’s Ministry of Environment, Climate, and Energy. This project aims to help public officials build the skills necessary to lead the green transformation in their institutions, driving sustainable change across the region.