Learning and Knowledge Ecosystems

We support public institutions to become learning organizations through strengthening their individual, team and organizational learning and knowledge management capacities. Our approach combines formal and informal learning opportunities—ranging from interactive face-to-face and online events to coaching, mentoring, microlearning, and vibrant communities of practice. By fostering collaboration and co-creation across our learning program, we help participants deepen their knowledge, professional skills, and adaptive attitudes that drive innovation and sustainable solutions in their working environments. Public officials connect as peers, exchange knowledge and experiences, and contribute to improved institutional capacities and reform processes.

Topic lead

Ajda Turk

Head of the Leadership and Learning Ecosystems Team

ajda.turk(at)cef-see.org

2026 Highlights

In 2026, we will promote continuous professional development and design events that foster peer-to-peer knowledge exchange. Our focus is on strengthening institutional learning and knowledge management through good governance, results orientation, and collaborative organizational cultures.

Key priorities include expanding expert networks in structural reforms, public sector accounting, banking supervision, and strategic HR management. We will enhance talent development practices and grow our pool of regional trainers to ensure knowledge flows across institutions, sustaining organizational memory, resilience, and adaptability.

We will support the transformation of institutions into learning organizations. Following the example set by the National Bank of Moldova, we are now also working with the Public Finance Academy within the Ministry of Finance of North Macedonia and the Ministry of Finance of Armenia as they embark on this journey. Will form regional coalition of public institutions as learning organizations to exchange knowledge and experience in supporting instiutional capacity development initiatives. By promoting team learning, we aim to strengthen collaboration and contribute to more effective policy and reform design and implementation.

Related events

Training of Trainers: Building Learning Organizations in Moldova’s Public Sector (by invitation only)

Workshop: January 29 – 30, 2026

Exchange with Central Bank Coordinators

Meeting: January 30, 2026

Study Visit on Developing a Competency Dictionary

Study Visit: February 11 – 13, 2026

WeShare: Unlocking Economic Transformation in the Western Balkans

Webinar: February 24, 2026

Forensic Accounting and Auditing Certification Program: Training of Trainers

Workshop: March 1 – 31, 2026

Knowledge Sharing within the Network of Regional Experts

Meeting: March, 2026

Knowledge Exchange for Climate Change: Environment and EU Integration

Webinar: March 10, 2026IWebinar: March 12, 2026

Reforms in Action: Design, Assessment and Implementation

Workshop: April, 2026

Team-Driven Leadership: Inspiring High-Performing Internal Audit Units

Workshop: May 5 – 7, 2026

Institutional Capacities for Climate Action: Building Partnerships and Coalitions

Workshop: May 12 – 14, 2026

WeLearn: Public Institutions as Learning Organizations

Workshop: May 18 – 20, 2026

Leading with Clarity, Confidence, and Respect

As part of the WeCoach component of the WeLead project, funded by the European Union, participants engaged in a structured coaching process designed to support personal growth, leadership development, and professional impact. In the reflection below, Nina Blazic, who works at the Ministry of Public Administration of Montenegro, shares her personal coaching journey and the meaningful shifts it inspired, offering insight into how coaching strengthened her leadership, deepened self-awareness, and strengthened her contribution to policymaking, public administration reform, and EU integration processes.

Strengthening Partnerships with Armenian Counterparts

CEF representatives Ajda Turk and Ivana Angelov recently visited Armenia to advance collaboration with key national and international counterparts, including the Ministry of Finance, the Central Bank of Armenia, the Tax Academy, and the EU Delegation in Armenia.

Driving Organizational Change Through Collaboration at the National Bank of Moldova

As part of the National Bank of Moldova – Institutional Transformation into a Learning Organization (NBM LearnOrgLab) project, this value creation story shows how one concrete learning experience led to visible changes in daily work. Over three intensive days in Chișinau, NBM HR team used practical tools and a systemic approach to improve collaboration, clarify roles, and strengthen communication. These reflections highlight how the workshop translated into clearer ways of working, stronger connections, and more coordinated effort toward shared goals.

A Roadmap for Building Resilient, Learning-Centered Public Institutions

We are proud to present our latest publication, "Systems for Resilience – Public Institutions as Learning Organizations". The new publication strengthens ongoing CEF efforts to support public institutions across the South East and East Europe in building resilience, adaptability, and long-term impact. It showcases how learning-centered institutions can deliver more trust, better reforms, and stronger results for citizens.

A Journey into Better Facilitation: Insights from the Training of Trainers Workshop

Darya Sukhatska, Head of Training and Development Unit at the Ministry of Finance of Ukraine, shares her experience from the recent Training of Trainers workshop. She reflects on how the program supported her professional growth and how the skills, ideas, and practical tools she gained will help improve learning practices across the Ministry of Finance of Ukraine. Through her story, she shows how this workshop is helping build stronger, more engaging learning experiences for colleagues.

Reflections from the NBM LearnOrgLab Experience

As part of the National Bank of Moldova–Institutional Transformation into a Learning Organization (NBM LearnOrgLab) project, several colleagues from the National Bank of Moldova (NBM) shared insights from their participation in the project and the related Training of Trainers (ToT) program. Their reflections – collected from Stanislav Cebotari (Senior Economist, Statistics and Data Department), Liudmila Ichim (Head of Division, Statistics and Data Department), Vasile Leorda (Legal Expert, Legislation and International Law Department), and Valeria Iordatii (Head of Section, Budget, Finance and Accounting Department) – reveal how learning, collaboration, and courage to step outside one’s comfort zone can transform both people and organizations.

Lessons from the CEF Expert Development Journey

During the 2025 CEF Expert Development Program, Andreja Jerina, a distinguished expert in European affairs and public administration, experienced a profound shift in her approach to communication and leadership. Drawing on decades of experience in negotiation, coordination, and strategic management, she entered the program with a strong results-oriented mindset. However, through coaching exercises and reflective practice, she discovered new ways of communication grounded in openness, empathy, and active listening. The following reflection illustrates how this learning journey reshaped her perspective on communication—both professionally and personally.

Building Competence and Confidence: A Reflection on the LearnOrg Project Experience

Learning experiences can leave a lasting mark, shaping not only our skills but also our outlook on growth and collaboration. This story offers a glimpse into such a journey — a reflection on participating in innovative training within the LearnOrg project and the impact it had on our professional practice. Written by Poiata Ala, Head of Section, Human Resources Management Division, State Tax Service, this value creation story invites you to discover how these opportunities inspired new approaches, fresh insights, and a renewed commitment to continuous learning.

CEF Welcomes Five New Associate Fellows in 2025

We are honoured to announce that in 2025 we welcomed five new Associate Fellows: Eugenio Anessi-Pessina, Natasha Ilijeva-Acevska, Tina Toman Pfajfar, Merdža Plahonjić Handalić, and Stéphane Gourdet. Their diverse expertise reflects the purpose of our Associate Fellows program, which is to provide practitioners from CEF constituency with in-depth knowledge from international fora, to connect established professionals with the regional reform priorities that shape our learning agenda, and to enable the CEF to benefit from the strategic and program insights of leading experts worldwide.

My Training of Trainers Journey with NBM LearnOrgLab

We encourage participants to reflect on their experiences and share feedback on the impact of our learning opportunities. These reflections highlight not only the skills and knowledge gained but also the personal growth, professional insights, and sense of community that develop throughout the learning process. The following contribution from Anastasia Tanas, Senior Expert in the International Relations and European Integration Department at the National Bank of Moldova (NBM), illustrates how the NBM LearnOrgLab project fostered meaningful learning, boosted confidence, and inspired a lasting commitment to continuous development.

Transforming Work Through Learning and Collaboration

We are pleased to share reflections from Alina Criminceanu, Legal Adviser in the Legal Department of the National Bank of Moldova (NBM), on her experience in the NBM LearnOrgLab project. The program offered participants a transformative blend of knowledge, skills, and practical tools that enhanced both personal growth and professional effectiveness. It fostered a culture of trust, inclusion, and collaboration, while techniques such as “Think-Pair-Share” encouraged critical thinking, safe idea-sharing, and stronger team alignment. Ms. Criminceanu’s story highlights how an engaging, well-facilitated learning journey can reshape workplace dynamics, strengthen relationships, and deliver lasting value for individuals and teams alike.

A Learning Journey Through the WeWrite Experience

As Chief Advisor in the Sector for Negotiation and Eurointegration, within the Department for EU and International Cooperation at the Ministry of Interior of the Republic of North Macedonia, Maja Boshnjakovska brings over a decade of experience in public administration to her participation in the EU-funded WeLead project. Through the WeWrite component, she has developed her policy expertise, collaborated with peers across the Western Balkans, and addressed complex challenges in the area of justice and security. For Ms. Boshnjakovska, the project has served as a valuable platform for learning, self-reflection, and meaningful contribution to public policy reform. In the interview below, she shares her experiences, challenges, and key takeaways from this rewarding learning journey.

National Bank of Moldova Strengthens Its Learning Organization Culture

Since 2023, we have been working with the National Bank of Moldova (NBM) on its transformation into a learning organization through the "NBM LearnOrgLab" project. Our focus has been on supporting NBM staff in gradually turning ideas and plans into concrete actions, with learning embedded across all aspects of their decision-making and daily work.

People Behind Public Finance Reforms: A Podcast with CEF Director Jana Repanšek

CEF Director Jana Repanšek recently joined the European Quarter podcast to talk about the role of people and leadership in public finance reform, the value of regional cooperation, and how the CEF helps shape confident, forward-looking public institutions in South East and East Europe.