7-8 May 2026, Nicosia, Cyprus

ReSPA facilitated the participation of Directors and Heads of public administration training institutions from the Western Balkans and Moldova at the meeting of the Network of Directors of Institutes and Schools of Public Administration (DISPA), held under the title “The strategic learning function - L&D as a driver of reform and innovation”.

Hosted in Nicosia, the DISPA meeting brought together European public administration schools, institutes, EU representatives and learning and development experts to discuss how public sector learning can move from a support function to a strategic driver of reform implementation, innovation, leadership development and institutional transformation.

Across the two-day agenda, participants explored the changing role of learning and development in the public sector at a time when administrations are expected to deliver reforms faster, respond to rising citizen expectations and adapt to digital transformation and artificial intelligence. The discussions underlined that future-ready public administrations require learning systems that are closely connected to government priorities, reform agendas and real institutional challenges.

The programme opened with reflections on human-centred public sector reform, motivation and the future of learning in the age of AI, followed by exchanges on learning as a catalyst for effective reform implementation. Particular attention was given to the alignment of training agendas with government reform plans, digital transformation strategies and broader public sector priorities, as well as to the practical challenge of translating political and institutional priorities into concrete learning pathways.

Through thematic workshops and peer exchanges, DISPA participants examined how L&D can be embedded in change management during major reforms, how capability planning can help administrations anticipate and shape reform capacity, how learning institutions can foster sustainable leadership, and how AI can be used in a human-centred way for public administration learning. These discussions were complemented by examples and case studies from European public administration systems, providing valuable insights for institutions from the Western Balkans and Moldova.

The second day of the meeting further deepened the strategic discussion by focusing on how schools and institutes of public administration can become more influential actors in government reform. The panel discussion on the power of learning in driving effective and sustainable public sector reforms highlighted the importance of moving beyond fragmented training activities towards coherent learning ecosystems that support implementation, leadership practice and institutional performance.

For ReSPA and the participating institutions from the Western Balkans and Moldova, DISPA provided an important opportunity to connect with EU-level learning and development networks, exchange with European counterparts and reflect on the future role of public administration training institutions in the enlargement context. Participation in such networks contributes to stronger alignment with European practices, supports peer learning and strengthens the capacity of training institutions to respond to the evolving needs of public administrations.

The meeting also reaffirmed that learning and development institutions are increasingly expected to act as strategic partners to governments - not only by delivering courses, but by helping administrations build the competencies, leadership culture and innovation capacity needed for reform. In this context, topics such as digital skills, generative AI, leadership development, reform capacity and evaluation of learning outcomes are becoming central to the future agenda of public administration schools and institutes.

Ahead of the main DISPA agenda, ReSPA organised a dedicated back-to-back meeting of Directors of training institutions from the Western Balkans and Moldova. The regional exchange created space for open dialogue on current institutional developments, shared priorities and common challenges, including capacity development, digital transformation, talent management and the evolving role of learning and development in supporting public administration reform.

The regional discussion also explored innovative training practices, with a particular focus on Beyond Classroom Learning (BCL). Participants reflected on how training institutions can move from a traditional course-provider role towards becoming learning architects that support workplace learning, peer exchange, real-life leadership situations and practice-based development. The exchange confirmed the importance of stronger regional cooperation and closer links with EU networks in shaping future-ready public administrations.

ReSPA will continue to support regional dialogue, peer learning and cooperation with EU counterparts, helping public administration training institutions from the Western Balkans and Moldova strengthen their strategic role in reform, innovation and professional development.