“As someone deeply involved in managing and evaluating public assets and services for privatization, I was motivated to join the workshop to network with peers in similar roles and share experiences. My role focuses on conducting research into public real estate, public companies, and services to identify opportunities for privatization where private sector management could enhance efficiency. The workshop offered a great chance to learn from other countries facing similar challenges in public sector asset management (PSAM) and how they approach them.

I found the workshop particularly useful for comparing how different countries manage public assets, especially in terms of IT and system integration. While Türkiye has developed significant expertise in technological integration, I was intrigued to learn how other countries emphasize sustainability in their PSAM practices. The presentations from academics were also a highlight for me, providing fresh perspectives and deepening my understanding of PSAM's broader governance role.

One of the major challenges I face in my role is the decentralization of public asset management in Türkiye. Different institutions, with varying regulations, evaluate public properties and enterprises, leading to inconsistencies in records and governance. I discovered that this issue of decentralization, as well as the need for better institutional integration, is shared by other countries. The workshop provided valuable insights into potential solutions, such as improving coordination and integrating data across institutions.

I believe public asset management plays a critical role in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In my professional context, PSAM can drive sustainability by prioritizing projects aligned with the SDGs, integrating impact measurement into asset management, and fostering public-private partnerships that reduce carbon footprints. Corporate governance principles can also play a key role in supporting green transformations and sustainable agriculture.

I highly recommend this workshop to my colleagues. It was an excellent opportunity to gain diverse perspectives, expand professional networks, and develop expertise in public asset management. For future workshops, I would love to see topics like the use of artificial intelligence in public real estate valuation, the impact of sustainability practices on the value of public assets, and the transition to carbon taxation in the Balkan countries. Additionally, I believe that similar workshops should be designed for decision-makers to help bridge the gap between practitioners and policymakers.”