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.
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.
GreenCCircle: bringing sustainability into cultural and creative industries
The green transition also belongs to culture. That’s the shared conviction behind GreenCCircle – Cooperative CCIs moving towards green business models, a new European project aimed at rethinking the environmental impact of Cultural and Creative Industries (CCIs) and supporting their shift towards more sustainable business practices. Co-funded by the Erasmus+ programme and running over 36 months, the project brings together a diverse team of partners from seven countries, including INFODEF. All of them believe that sustainability is not only a responsibility but also a real chance to innovate, create, and grow in a more conscious and resilient way. GreenCCircle will deliver hands-on tools: challenge-based learning paths, environmental self-assessments, green entrepreneurship methodologies, and creative experimentation spaces such as Living Labs. The goal is simple: to equip professionals, entrepreneurs, and organisations in the cultural sector with the right tools to make environmentally sound decisions—without giving up creativity or social impact. Within this project, INFODEF is contributing to the design of the emerging professional profile linked to this transformation, the development of the learning programme, and the creation of assessment tools and storytelling-based pedagogical approaches. GreenCCircle is an opportunity to highlight the potential of CCIs as drivers of change in our communities. A space to connect creativity, sustainability and the social economy.
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/
INFODEF joins the World Family Organization
INFODEF has been accepted as a new member of the World Family Organization (WFO), an international entity with General Consultative Status at the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) since 1948. The WFO represents families worldwide, defends their interests, and acts with and for them vis-à-vis governments and the international community. The mission of the WFO is to promote means, opportunities, equal rights, and conditions for women and men to assume their roles and functions within the family and society, in conditions of freedom, equity, security, and human dignity. It also seeks to foster policies and actions that improve the living conditions of all families, respecting their diversity and cultures. INFODEF’s membership in this global network reinforces its commitment to social inclusion, human dignity, and sustainable development. This collaboration opens new opportunities to participate in international initiatives focused on key areas such as education, health, housing, and social well-being, contributing to a more just and sustainable future for families worldwide.
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 the Pact for Skills
INFODEF has just joined the European Pact for Skills, an initiative launched by the European Commission to foster collaboration among public and private organizations in addressing the essential skills required for the green and digital transitions. This commitment meets INFODEF’s goal to promote sustainable growth, social equity, and resilience in vocational education and training (VET). The Pact for Skills is a key element of the European Skills Agenda, aiming to strengthen sustainable competitiveness, social fairness, and resilience across Europe’s economic and industrial sectors. Launched in 2020, the Pact addresses the growing need for upskilling and reskilling as part of a broader strategy to help individuals and organizations succeed in today’s rapidly evolving landscape. It involves partnerships between public and private entities to ensure a skilled workforce through diverse initiatives like VET programs, lifelong learning opportunities, and skill development frameworks. Participating organizations, including INFODEF, commit to shared goals and measurable indicators for skill development, such as enhanced skills intelligence, the creation of new training programs, and increased numbers of skilled individuals entering the workforce. The Pact ultimately aims to combat unemployment and support the growth of businesses by providing employees with the knowledge they need to thrive. Joining the Pact for Skills underscores INFODEF’s adherence to supporting sustainable development goals (SDGs) and the European Union’s efforts in education and social inclusion. Several of INFODEF’s recent and current projects, such as SME Green Skills Hub, Habitable, or ECVET Skills Platform, emphasize the importance of skills development in advancing sustainable practices, social equity, and economic resilience. Through these projects, INFODEF is helping to address SDG objectives such as Quality Education (SDG 4), Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8), and Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10), reinforcing its mission of driving positive change in communities through high-quality training initiatives. As a member of the Pact, INFODEF has the opportunity to leverage resources across three primary services: The Networking Hub: INFODEF can now connect with a broad network of potential partners and access tools like Europass, Skills Panorama, and EURES, essential for boosting VET initiatives and enhancing skills intelligence. The Knowledge Hub: Through webinars, seminars, and learning activities, INFODEF stays updated on EU policies and instruments, sharing best practices and refining its approach to project development. The Guidance Hub: This offers guidance on EU and national funding opportunities, making it easier to collaborate with regional and national authorities in developing projects aligned with skill-building goals. INFODEF looks forward to contributing to and benefiting from the Pact for Skills community, reinforcing its role in the development of a skilled, resilient workforce ready to tackle the challenges of the green and digital transitions. Joining this Pact not only represents a step toward the future of education but also enhances INFODEF’s capacity to bring impactful, sustainable projects to communities across Europe.
Driving green and digital skills in housing in Aveiro
INFODEF, as a partner in the HABITABLE project, recently participated in its second meeting held in Aveiro on May 23 and 24. This European project addresses the shortage of skilled workers in digitalization and the green transition in the housing sector and aims to improve vocational training through active collaboration between institutions, local partners, and an international network of centers of excellence. It also provides a space for training and skill updates for students and professionals in the sector. The meeting began with a dissemination event titled “Transforming Skills for a Sustainable Habitat” at the University of Aveiro, co-organized by the partners Cluster Habitat Sustentável and CTCV. This event focused on the importance of green and digital skills to transform the value chain of the habitat. The event also featured a panel discussion moderated by Victor Ferreira (Cluster Habitat Sustentável), which included various experts related to the habitat sector: from the University of Coimbra, from Produtos Cerâmicos, S.A., from AICCOPN, from the University of Aveiro, and from the Ordem dos Engenheiros. Following this, the Institutional Pact for Enhancing the Circular Economy in the Central Region was presented, and Ana Neves (Erasmus+ National Agency) shared the achievements made in 2023 – the European Year of Skills. On May 24, HABITABLE partners reconvened at the University of Aveiro for the second transnational meeting of the project. Organized by Cluster Habitat Sustentável, this meeting allowed all partners to discuss the results of completed tasks, review the status of ongoing ones, and plan the initiation of new activities.