Contributing to high-level discussions on skills, innovation and the green transition in Brussels
INFODEF participated in the Brussels High-Level Dialogue on Clean Energy, Agriculture AI, Regional Innovation and Skills, held from 8 to 11 June 2026 in Brussels. Organised within the framework of the ACRID Network (Associated and Candidate Countries Research, Innovation and Development Network), a network focused on strengthening research, innovation and development capacities in EU Associated and Candidate Countries, the event brought together representatives of European institutions, ministries, regional and local authorities, universities, companies, clusters and project consortia to discuss current challenges and opportunities linked to Europe’s green and digital transition. The programme combined high-level policy discussions, project showcases and networking activities aimed at fostering cooperation between the public, private and academic sectors. Participants exchanged experiences, explored common challenges and identified opportunities for future collaboration under European funding programmes. For INFODEF, the event provided a valuable opportunity to strengthen existing partnerships, establish new contacts and explore future cooperation opportunities under programmes such as Erasmus+, Horizon Europe and other direct EU funding instruments. As an active partner in several initiatives featured during the event, INFODEF contributed to exchanges related to the Erasmus+ projects ELeVATE, MOBUILDING and SEBCoVE. These projects address key priorities such as vocational excellence, green and digital skills, inclusion, innovation and regional development, closely aligning with the themes discussed throughout the programme. The event also highlighted the importance of connecting project results with policy priorities and fostering collaboration between the public, private and academic sectors to support Europe’s green and digital future. Through its participation, INFODEF continues to strengthen its international network and contribute to initiatives that promote innovation, skills development and sustainable growth across Europe and beyond.
INFODEF participates in the Erasmus+ Week 2026 for Sub-Saharan Africa
INFODEF participated in the Regional Erasmus+ Cluster Meeting and Contact-Making Seminar 2026 for Sub-Saharan Africa, held on 19–20 May in Dakar, Senegal. The event, organised by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture (DG EAC) and the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA), brought together representatives of Higher Education and Vocational Education and Training (VET) institutions from Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa, alongside Erasmus+ National Focal Points, National Agencies, EU Delegations and other key stakeholders. Under the theme “Developing Skills for the Future”, participants explored how Erasmus+ projects are contributing to skills development, employability, innovation and sustainable growth across both regions. Discussions focused on topics such as skills validation, innovation and research, improving teaching competences, and strengthening links between education and the labour market through work-based learning. The event also included networking and contact-making sessions designed to foster new partnerships and future project cooperation between European and African organisations. These exchanges provided valuable opportunities to share experiences, identify common challenges and explore innovative approaches to capacity building in education and training. INFODEF’s participation reinforces its commitment to supporting international cooperation and contributing to the development of high-quality, inclusive and future-oriented education systems. The themes addressed during the meeting are closely aligned with several of the organisation’s ongoing Erasmus+ initiatives in Sub-Saharan Africa, including projects focused on green skills, vocational excellence, digital transformation and sustainable development (e.g. GreenVET4U, AGREEN Gambia). As Europe and Africa continue working together to address skills gaps and prepare learners for rapidly changing labour markets, events such as Erasmus+ Week play a key role in strengthening collaboration and creating new opportunities for institutions, educators and learners on both continents.
AGREEN Gambia launch receives media attention in The Gambia
The official launch of the AGREEN Gambia project has attracted significant attention from Gambian media, highlighting the relevance of the initiative for the country’s vocational education system, agricultural sector, and youth employment agenda. Following the kick-off event held in Banjul in April, several national news outlets reported on the project’s objectives and expected impact, underlining its contribution to strengthening Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), promoting Climate-Smart Agriculture, and creating new opportunities for young people and rural communities. Co-funded by the European Union through the Erasmus+ Capacity Building in VET programme and coordinated by INFODEF, AGREEN Gambia aims to enhance the capacity and relevance of the TVET system in The Gambia while supporting the transition towards more sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural practices. The project brings together partners from The Gambia, Spain, Croatia, and Ireland to strengthen cooperation between education providers, public institutions, employers, and entrepreneurship support organisations. The media coverage highlighted several key challenges that AGREEN Gambia seeks to address. These include the need to better align vocational education with labour market demands, improve employment opportunities for young people, strengthen entrepreneurship support, and equip learners and educators with the skills needed to respond to climate change and agricultural transformation. The articles also emphasised the importance of Climate-Smart Agriculture as a pathway towards improved food security, sustainable rural development, and greater resilience among farming communities. Particular attention was given to the project’s focus on youth empowerment. With a large share of The Gambia’s population under the age of 35, developing relevant skills and creating new pathways to employment and entrepreneurship is essential for the country’s future. Through innovative training resources, educator capacity building, and stronger links between TVET institutions and employers, AGREEN Gambia aims to contribute to these goals while supporting a more inclusive and sustainable economy. Media Coverage The launch event was featured by: The Standard – Youth Ministry launches D34M AGREEN Gambia project to boost TVET The Point – D34M AGREEN project launched to reshape youth skills, farming
Launch of the AGREEN Gambia project to strengthen TVET and Climate-Smart Agriculture in The Gambia
The AGREEN Gambia project (Building the capacity of TVET in The Gambia to boost Climate-Smart Agriculture), coordinated by INFODEF, was officially launched in Banjul, The Gambia, from 15 to 17 April 2026. The kick-off meeting brought together partners from The Gambia, Spain, Croatia, and Ireland to begin a 30-month Erasmus+ Capacity Building in VET project focused on strengthening vocational education and supporting the transition towards Climate-Smart Agriculture. Co-funded by the European Union through the Erasmus+ programme, AGREEN Gambia aims to enhance the capacity and relevance of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system in The Gambia, contributing to sustainable rural development, improved food security, and greater climate resilience, particularly among young people and women in rural communities. AGREEN Gambia brings together a diverse partnership of organisations from The Gambia and Europe. Alongside INFODEF as coordinator, the consortium includes the Ministry of Youth and Sports of The Gambia, The Gambia College, the Gambia Startup Chamber of Commerce, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek (Croatia), and INNOQUALITY Systems (Ireland). The partners will work closely to strengthen cooperation between education providers, public authorities, employers, and entrepreneurship support organisations, helping to ensure that vocational education responds to the country’s evolving needs. During the three-day meeting, partners discussed the implementation of the project’s activities and laid the groundwork for future collaboration. Key topics included the creation of a Gambia-EU Community of Practice, the development of a national reference curriculum on Climate-Smart Agriculture, the design of innovative training resources for educators and learners, and strategies to strengthen links between vocational education and the labour market. The official launch event brought together representatives from national institutions, the European Union Delegation, TVET providers, and private sector stakeholders. Participants highlighted the importance of investing in skills development to address youth unemployment, strengthen climate resilience, and support sustainable agricultural development. Speaking at the event, EU Deputy Head of Mission Raphael Brigandi underlined the importance of vocational education as a driver of opportunity, resilience, and empowerment, while emphasising the role of skills development in supporting sustainable rural development. Representatives from the Ministry of Youth and Sports highlighted the project’s contribution to modernising the TVET system through innovative teaching approaches, digital learning tools, and stronger connections between education and employment. Over the next 30 months, AGREEN Gambia will focus on improving the quality and responsiveness of TVET provision, strengthening the capacities of educators, promoting Climate-Smart Agriculture, and supporting green, digital, and inclusive entrepreneurship. Through these actions, the project aims to create new opportunities for learners, educators, and rural communities while contributing to a more sustainable and resilient future for The Gambia.
Signing ceremony at the High-Level Event of the European Alliance for Apprenticeships
On June 30 and July 1, INFODEF participated in the High-Level Event of the European Alliance for Apprenticeships (EAfA), held in Brussels under the theme “Apprenticeships for the Union of Skills and the Clean Industrial Deal.” This edition of the event was particularly meaningful, as it aligned with the launch of two major European Commission initiatives: the Union of Skills and the Clean Industrial Deal. Both place skills development and quality employment at the core of Europe’s green and digital transitions. During the Signing Ceremony, INFODEF officially joined the Alliance alongside other new members. The diplomas were presented by Roxana Mînzatu, Deputy Director-General of DG EMPL, in a warm and symbolic moment of commitment to advancing excellence in vocational education and training. The event provided a valuable platform to reflect on the transformative potential of apprenticeships — not only as a tool to boost employability but also to respond to the evolving needs of industry, especially in energy-intensive sectors. Discussions highlighted the importance of work-based learning in equipping learners with green skills and strengthening STEM pathways, as well as the role of apprenticeships in fostering a competitive, inclusive, and sustainable Europe. At INFODEF, we believe that quality apprenticeships are essential to building future-ready professionals. Our membership in EAfA strengthens our position within the European VET Excellence ecosystem and reinforces our commitment to promoting inclusive, innovative, and labour market-relevant training opportunities. Learn more about the European Alliance for Apprenticeships: https://employment-social-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies-and-activities/skills-and-qualifications/working-together/european-alliance-apprenticeships/about-eafa_en
A Mine of Stories: rural innovation with a mining soul
In the heart of the Montaña Palentina —a mountainous area in northern Spain known for its natural beauty and mining heritage— the former Casa del Pueblo of Vallejo de Orbó hosted this Wednesday the official launch of A Mine of Stories, a national initiative aiming to open a new path for sustainable development in post-mining rural areas. The project represents a unique opportunity to rethink the future of the countryside through innovation, culture, and community engagement. Led by the Brañosera Town Council and Spain’s Ministry for the Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge, A Mine of Stories will run for eight months and reach various mining communities in the region, including Brañosera, Valberzoso, Salcedillo, and Orbó. A key component of the project is its training programme, which includes eight intensive courses of at least 40 hours. These combine theoretical learning, technical visits, and practical workshops. They are aimed at tourist guides, heritage professionals, rural entrepreneurs, and anyone interested in developing new initiatives in their local area. Topics will range from industrial heritage interpretation to the design of tourism experiences, digital marketing, and the use of emerging technologies. INFODEF contributes to the delivery of this training programme, building on its background in education, heritage, and sustainable tourism. Its participation in A Mine of Stories highlights its commitment to educational innovation as a tool for community-based rural regeneration. In addition to the Brañosera Town Council, the initiative involves the collaboration of KOAN Consulting, Patrimonio Global, Radio Viajera, Geocyl, and Enredadas con el Patrimonio, as well as close ties with local associations such as ARPI and the Montaña Palentina Local Action Group. More information at https://www.unaminadehistorias.com Some news published about the event: https://cadenaser.com/castillayleon/2025/05/22/el-patrimonio-minero-se-convierte-en-motor-de-futuro-para-la-montana-palentina-radio-palencia/
Adherence to the United Nations Global Compact Spanish Network
We are proud to announce that INFODEF has officially joined the Spanish Network of the United Nations Global Compact, the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative, bringing together more than 20,000 participants across over 160 countries. By joining this global movement, we reaffirm our commitment to the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact, which serve as a foundation for our strategy and daily operations. This step further strengthens our alignment with the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which INFODEF already incorporates across its work in areas such as inclusive education, gender equality, sustainable innovation, international cooperation, and social justice. Being part of the UN Global Compact allows us to engage with a vibrant community of organizations working toward sustainability, while opening up new opportunities to share knowledge, collaborate, and increase the reach and effectiveness of our projects. At INFODEF, we believe that organizations play a vital role in building a fairer, more inclusive, and environmentally responsible future. That’s why we will continue to ensure that sustainability and the principles of the Global Compact remain central to everything we do. Learn more about the Global Compact and its principles: https://www.unglobalcompact.org/
Participating in the EU Innovation Partners Networking Forum at the European Parliament
On November 25–26, 2024, INFODEF participated in the EU Innovation Partners Networking Forum, organized by the ACRID Network at the European Parliament in Brussels. This prestigious event gathered policymakers, innovators, and industry leaders to explore collaboration opportunities and funding pathways for advancing green, digital, and circular technologies across Europe. The forum was a valuable space to exchange ideas, explore partnerships, and better understand opportunities within the EU funding landscape. INFODEF contributed by sharing its experience in innovation and sustainability, working alongside partners from academia, industry, and public institutions. During the lunch debate on November 26, Jesús Boyano, INFODEF’s director, contributed to the session “The Role of EU Funding in Enhancing Human Capital Development for Innovation and Technology in EU Candidate Countries”. This debate highlighted the transformative impact of EU funding programs like Horizon Europe on developing skills and fostering innovation in regions such as the Western Balkans and Turkey. This participation marks another milestone in INFODEF’s ongoing efforts to harness the power of networks and collaboration to create a more sustainable and competitive Europe.
INFODEF at AR&PA 2024: innovation, culture, and regional engagement
INFODEF participated in the AR-PA Cultural Tourism Fair, held from November 15 to 17 in Valladolid, Spain, as a member of the AEICE Efficient Habitat Cluster, through its joint stand at the event. The stand hosted an engaging agenda organized by AEICE, featuring presentations, discussions, and networking opportunities that aligned with the fair’s central topics. The cluster program, themed around emerging heritage, territorial innovation, the demographic challenge, and sustainable habitat, brought together cultural and tourism professionals from across Spain. The fair agenda was enriched by family-friendly workshops and activities led by cultural institutions from Castilla y León, emphasizing the region’s cultural richness and its potential as a sustainable tourism destination. A highlight of the event was the visit of regional government president Alfonso Fernández Mañueco and other authorities during the inaugural day, underlining the significance of the fair in positioning Castilla y León as a hub for innovation in cultural tourism. INFODEF’s presence at AR-PA reflects our ongoing commitment to fostering innovation, sustainability, and international collaboration in the fields of culture and education.
INFODEF joins EVBB, the European network for excellence in VET
INFODEF has officially become a member of the European Association of Institutes for Vocational Training (EVBB), one of the leading European networks committed to promoting quality and innovation in vocational education and adult learning. Headquartered in Brussels, the EVBB brings together training institutions, universities, associations, and organizations that strive to advance excellence and a strong European dimension in VET. The association works to enhance transnational cooperation, represent the interests of the sector before EU institutions, and support policies that foster inclusive, labour-market-oriented, and future-ready education systems. INFODEF’s membership in this network opens new avenues for international cooperation, participation in strategic discussions on the future of VET in Europe, and involvement in collaborative initiatives aimed at improving the sector. It is also an opportunity to continue advancing in key areas of INFODEF’s work, including sustainability, digital innovation, inclusion, and the excellence in vocational education and training.