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Newsletter #2 September - December 2024 |
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Highlights |
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Learning, Networking and Capacity Building |
European Integration and Accession Negotiations
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In this thematic area, we reinforced our commitment to building the capacities of civil servants in EU accession negotiations and EU affairs through a variety of activities: |
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Training Modules on Clusters: Cluster 4 - Green Agenda and Sustainable Connectivity As part of the 2024 cluster training series, we gathered 20 participants from WB6 line ministries responsible for transport, energy, and environment in December in Zagreb. With the support of the Croatian NSPA, the Center for the Transfer of Knowledge of the Croatian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the participation of representatives from the Energy Community and the Transport Community, the participants engaged in learning and exchanging knowledge on EU policies, accession requirements, and milestones in Chapters 14 (Transport), 15 (Energy), 21 (Trans-European Networks), and 27 (Environment). |
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Workshop on Developing and Monitoring National Programs and Planning Documents for EU Accession Held back-to-back with the European Integration Regional Thematic Group Meeting in Podgorica in December, the workshop was developed based on the proposals formulated by the EU Integration Thematic Group and designed as a moderated, peer-learning activity. 23 participants from the WB6 worked on the preparation and monitoring of EU accession/integration-related documents. The topics covered are the alignment with the EU acquis, the structure of the NPAAs, financial aspects of EU accession, and the alignment of the NPAAs with other national strategic documents. |
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Translating Europe Forum and Side Workshop/Meeting with DG Translation In collaboration with the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Translation, we facilitated the participation of Translation Coordination Units from the Western Balkans in the Translating Europe Forum 2024. This year’s theme explored the role of data, emerging technologies, and Generative AI in translation workflows. ReSPA contributed to the panel "Building Translation Capacity in Candidate Countries" emphasizing critical skills for translating EU law and integrating advanced tools like AI into workflows |
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Executive Training on Building the Common Regional Market In collaboration with RCC, we hosted a December training on advancing regional economic integration in the Western Balkans in Tirana. Public servants, policymakers, experts, and stakeholders participated in sessions delivered by high-level speakers, including the RCC Secretary General and Albania’s Deputy Foreign Minister. ReSPA experts led specialized sessions on key CRM components, highlighting CRM’s role in fostering resilience and supporting EU integration. |
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Webinar "Sustainability Transition and the Role of Green Public Procurement" In September, we virtually engaged over 60 public servants and practitioners from the Western Balkans in a webinar led by Prof. Matteo Mura from the University of Bologna. The session highlighted the role of public administrations in advancing sustainability through Green Public Procurement, promoting sustainable practices, and addressing environmental challenges such as resource scarcity and the circular economy |
Policy Development and Coordination
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In the last quarter, our efforts focused on advancing evidence-informed policymaking, improving regulatory processes, and enhancing policy coordination. |
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Public Sector Integrity Workshop Highlights Need for Stronger Integrity Regulations The event gathered a wide range of public administration stakeholders and integrity institutions from the Western Balkans and the EU to reflect on common challenges, showcase promising practices, and explore avenues for regional cooperation and mutual learning. Following the presentation of the regional analysis, participants engaged in interactive discussions and peer exchange panels. Representatives of anti-corruption agencies shared insights on practical obstacles and achievements, while training institutions presented innovative approaches to ethics education. |
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Regional Conference on Parliaments and Evidence-Based Lawmaking in the WB Co-organized with the Italian Chamber of Deputies and SIGMA, this conference convened representatives from Western Balkan parliamentary administrations, governments, and the EC in October in Rome. Participants discussed strengthening parliamentary scrutiny and evidence-based lawmaking, focusing on challenges in legislative planning, aligning national legislation with the EU acquis, and the role of RIA in improving legislative quality. |
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Our team also contributed to the Training Programme for Strengthening Civil Society in Public Administration Reform. In October, as part of the WeBER Plus network, we supported enhancing CSO capacities to engage effectively in public administration reform. Additionally, organized in partnership with leading public administration faculties across the Western Balkans, the "Exploring Dimensions of Public Management, Policy, and Administration across Diverse Sectors," held at South East Europe University in Tetovo, fostered collaboration among regional academic institutions. Discussions addressed governance, sustainability, and the challenges of modern state administration |
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Human Resources Management and Professional Development
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Over the past quarter, we continued to strengthen the skills of public servants working in Human Resources, helping them drive modernisation across public administrations in the region. Key highlights included the Seasonal School on Talent Management, a webinar on the strategic role of HR units in public administration, and a mobility programme to the Italian National School of Administration (SNA) and the Department for Public Administration of Italy. These activities provided practical insights, fresh perspectives, and hands-on experience, ensuring that HR professionals are better equipped to shape strategic, future-ready administrations across the Western Balkans: |
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Seasonal School on Talent Management: Building Future-Ready Administrations |
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Meeting of the Directors of Training Institutions from the Western Balkans Held in October alongside the DISPA meeting, this gathering reaffirmed our dedication to enhancing networking and collaboration between Western Balkan institutions and their EU counterparts. Participants discussed progress since their last meeting in 2023, focusing on leadership, digital skills, knowledge management, training preparation, and the use of AI in developing training programs. The event also featured valuable insights from the National School of Public Administration of Croatia's State School of Public Administration |
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Webinar: HR Units as Strategic Drivers of Reform In June 2025, an online session gathered HR leaders and policy experts from France, Belgium, Estonia, and Serbia. With over 50 participants, the webinar shone a spotlight on the strategic role of HR units in public administration reforms. Discussions highlighted how HR professionals can evolve into proactive change agents—leading institutional transformation, supporting leadership development, and strengthening resilience in times of rapid change. |
Service Delivery
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Over the past months, ReSPA actively contributed to several high-level international events, sharing expertise and strengthening regional perspectives on digital transformation, AI, and public service innovation:
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OGP Western Balkans Regional Meeting Co-organised with the OGP Support Unit in Tirana in November, as an annual gathering of the Western Balkans OGP Community, the Meeting brought together Ministers, key government officials, civil society leaders, and experts from the Western Balkan administrations, Croatia, Bulgaria and Romania to discuss critical issues around open government reforms, digital governance, and political integrity. |
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Hackathon “Open Data Challenge – Unlock Montenegro's Data” ReSPA joined forces with the Chamber of Economy of Montenegro, the Ministry of Public Administration, and the Science and Technology Park of Montenegro to support the hackathon “Open Data Challenge – Unlock Montenegro's Data.” The initiative invited high school and university students, startups, and IT companies from across Montenegro to apply their creativity and digital skills in tackling real-life challenges through the use of open data. |
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ReSPA, UNESCO, and Oxford's Saïd Business School Join Forces to Discuss the Strategic Value of AI for Governments A virtual webinar on “AI Competences and Best Practices of Using AI in the Western Balkans” gathered over 100 professionals from the region’s public administrations—including members of the Digital Transformation and Human Resources Thematic Working Groups—who explored global and European trends in AI adoption, the strategic value of AI for governments, and the institutional and human capacities needed for effective, ethical implementation. |
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Third Cycle Training for Trainers in Cyber Hygiene 2025: Empowering Regional Cybersecurity Culture in Public Governance Crafted in collaboration with the Western Balkans Cyber Capacity Centre (WB3C), this initiative aims to equip senior-level public officials with essential knowledge and practical skills in cyber hygiene, while also preparing them to act as multipliers of that knowledge within their respective institutions. The program is built on the success of previous cycles, offering a structured and practice-oriented approach that targets officials with a good background in IT and cybersecurity. |
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The Regional Quality Management Centre (RQMC) team finalised PEF procedures in the Agency for Peaceful Settlement of Labour Disputes of Serbia, the Civil Service Agency of Republika Srpska, the Office for Combatting Drugs of the Government of Serbia, and the Ministry of Information Society and Administration of North Macedonia (later on divided into the Ministry of Public Administration and Ministry of Digital Transformation). In parallel, our colleagues finalised the CAF implementation in the Ministry of Public Administration of Montenegro and started the implementation in the Municipality of Zeta, Montenegro, 2nd cycle in the Bureau of Metrology and Secretariat for Legislation of North Macedonia. The RQMC team also continued participating in revising the PEF Guidelines (an EUPAN document led by the EIPA CAF Resource Centre) which was presented at the Europe CAF Working Group meeting in Budapest in October. Finally, they participated in the regional meeting organised by the Education Reform Initiative of South Eastern Europe (ERI SEE) presenting CAF as an institutional QM technique. |
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The HL Panel Discussion Showcased Concrete Benefits of QM Tools, Especially CAF On 4 July, titled “Quality as the Key to an Efficient Public Administration: Benefits and Practical Examples”, the Panel discussion organised by the Ministry of Public Administration of Montenegro and the underlined the benefits of QM tools—especially the Common Assessment Framework (CAF) and ISO standards—for building efficient, transparent, and citizen-oriented public institutions. |
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PEF Network Meeting Highlights CAF Achievements and Paves the Way for Digital QM in the WBs PEF Network Meeting, attended by certified EFACs from the region and attended by numerous guests, including the representatives of the Human Resource Service of Serbia, who presented their project CAFFICIENCY, which allowed for the digitalisation of the CAF Action Plan implementation and was recognised as one of the 18 golden cases at the CAF Users Event in Warsaw in April 2025. In addition, the event was followed by the award of CAF labels to three institutions from Serbia: the Office for Combating Drugs of Serbia, the Demining Centre of Serbia and the Accreditation Body of Serbia. |
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Online training “Use, Processing and Protection of Data” Toward Improved Institutional Understanding and Use of Data in Montenegro In partnership with the Ministry of Public Administration of Montenegro, we delivered a two-day online training for nearly 30 public sector professionals from the Ministry and other government institutions. Organised under the eAcademy programme, the training focused on improving institutional understanding and the effective use of data throughout its lifecycle—from collection and management to analysis and application—helping administrations harness data as a driver of better policy-making and service delivery. |
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Mechanisms of Direct Support |
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“On-demand” instruments addressed the current needs of our Members. With 11 projects ongoing at various stages of implementation, we support In Bosnia and Herzegovina: development of strategic documents for HR Development at all administrative levels; development of a computer program to assist associations, and NPOs to registry in the register of the MoJ of BiH; the EIDAS and eIDAS 2.0 regulation, and boosting horizontal capacities in FBiH EU Integration process. In Montenegro: development of the Strategy for the Development of Digital Health; improvement of administrative capacities in QM; training in the framework of Digital Academy ("Management of Open Data" and "Use, Processing and Protection of Data”). In North Macedonia: preparation of the Law for Archive Material and related bylaws and development of the National Electronic Archival and Records Management System. In Serbia: improvement of the Government's transparency. Under current “eGov Pilots” instruments, our team supports the Members in various areas: the Portal Open Data (Bosnia and Herzegovina), and further digitalisation of training management services of the National Academy for Public Administration (Serbia). |
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Horizontal Facility |
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During the reporting period, the Facility supported eight public servants in attending the EU Better Regulation International Summer School in Tirana from 18–21 August 2025. Under the theme “Get yourself going to 2029 – How to work with evidence-based decision-making in the EU?”, participants engaged in lectures, discussions, and practical exercises on topics including the EU policy cycle, strategic planning, impact assessments, and navigating the balance between politics and evidence in dynamic contexts, complemented by case studies on sustainability and finance. This initiative strengthened participants’ capacities for evidence-based decision-making while fostering cross-border learning and collaboration. |
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Mobility Schemes |
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Representatives of the Agency for Personal Data Protection of Bosnia and Herzegovina exchanged with their counterparts from the Information Commissioner of the Republic of Slovenia. In November, they exchanged information on privacy policy, risk assessment, inspection supervision, the right to be forgotten (data subject rights), and administrative fines. The framework of data protection in Slovenia and the comparative exchange of knowledge and experience will be very useful to the beneficiaries. |
Mobility and Capacity-Building Programme Crafted with Italian Institutions
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Launched 2nd Cycle of Capacity-Building and Mobility Programme Connecting Western Balkans and Italian Administration At the end of the year, we officially launched the second cycle of its flagship Capacity-Building and Mobility Programme, designed to strengthen ties between public administrations in the Western Balkans and Italy. The initiative, supported by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, was unveiled during a dedicated Info Day, marking the continuation of a successful collaboration initiated in 2023. Building on the achievements of the first cycle, the new programme introduces an expanded framework to foster knowledge exchange, deepen cooperation, and enhance civil servants' capacities across the region. This cycle will focus on three key streams: EU Single Market, European Affairs and Integration, and Human Resources Management and Development. |
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Concluded the 1st Cycle of the Mobility and Capacity-Building Programme that Linked the Western Balkans with the Italian Administration In December, in Rome, with the support of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and the National School of Administration (SNA), we hosted the closing workshop and certification ceremony for the Western Balkans Public Servants Capacity Building and Mobility Programme. 50+ participants and experts reflected on the program's transformative journey launched in December 2023, which marked a significant milestone in fostering collaboration between the Western Balkans and Italian public administrations. |
Regional Mobility Programme with Job-Shadowing Component
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Concluded the Western Balkans Regional Mobility Programme In October, we finalised this unique flagship initiative that included 24 public servants who worked and learned from regional organisations such as the Regional Cooperation Council, Transport Community Secretariat, Regional Youth Cooperation Office, CEFTA Secretariat, Western Balkans Fund, ReSPA Secretariat, etc. The programme significantly enhanced participants' understanding of regional collaboration mechanisms and the role of these organisations in advancing the Western Balkans' European integration agenda. |
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Partnership |
Our strong partnerships are flourishing and expanding rapidly.
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ReSPA Supported Montenegro’s Celebration of the Public Administration Day The event gathered high-level representatives of the Government of Montenegro, the diplomatic corps, international organisations, and the public sector. Director Handjiska-Trendafilova reminded attendees of the shared responsibility in building modern and citizen-oriented institutions: “Strong institutions are built on the spirit of public service, on leadership based on integrity and personal example – but at their core, they rely on competent, motivated, and empowered civil servants – people with strength and purpose.” This year, the Ministry of Public Administration became the first institution in Montenegro to be awarded the CAF Effective User Certificate, confirming its commitment to quality, transparency, and modernisation of public services. Director Handjiska Trendafilova officially handed it over to Minister Dukaj. |
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Handjiska-Trendafilova Highlights Enhanced Regional Synergies at RCC Annual Meeting At the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) Annual Meeting in Tirana, Handjiska-Trendafilova underscored the pivotal role of strengthened regional cooperation in fostering improved governance across Southeast Europe. Handjiska-Trendafilova commended the RCC’s newly adopted forward-looking strategy and outlined strategic areas for enhanced synergies: "Our work must remain citizen-centred, focusing on real gains in trade, mobility, digital transformation, green transition, and human capital development." |
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Director Handjiska-Trendafilova at OECD Annual Meeting: Schools of Government Must Lead the Change At the 2025 Annual Meeting of the OECD Network of Schools of Government, hosted by the European University Institute’s School of Transnational Governance, ReSPA Director Maja Handjiska-Trendafilova called for a bold transformation in public sector leadership development. Speaking at a high-level plenary, she stressed that schools of government should become agile platforms for experimentation, innovation, and co-creation—environments where continuous learning is the norm, outdated practices are unlearned, and real-world impact is the measure of relevance. |
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ReSPA Contributes to International Conference on AI in Public Administration In mid-June in Athens, ReSPA enriched the International Conference “Artificial Intelligence in the Public Administration Environment”, hosted by EKDDA. The event brought together representatives from public administration institutes in Greece, Slovenia, Cyprus, Serbia, Albania, and Montenegro, providing a dynamic platform for regional dialogue on AI’s transformative potential in public services. Discussions explored how AI can drive smarter policy-making, foster innovation, and create more citizen-focused administrations across Southeast Europe, reinforcing the region’s commitment to digital and innovative governance. |
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ReSPA Director Discussed Major Challenges with Leaders at the Western Balkans Leaders’ Growth Summit On 1st July, in Skopje, the Western Balkans leaders discussed major challenges, the war in Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East, and the position of the Western Balkans. Addressing the summit, Director Handjiska Trendafilova stressed: “With the Growth plan entering full implementation mode, we must double down on professionalisation, civil service reforms and administrative strengthening. That includes developing the skillsets, mindsets, and networks needed for our civil servants—including at the local level—to deliver on reforms and implement and shape EU policies.” On the sidelines of the Western Balkans Leaders’ Growth Summit, Director Handjiska-Trendafilova held a productive exchange with North Macedonia's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Timčo Mucunski. |
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ReSPA Strengthens Ties with European Public Administration Leaders at EUPAN Meeting |
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Director Handjiska-Trendafilova Announces ReSPA as Host of 2025 DISPA Meeting |
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Handjiska-Trendafilova Highlights ReSPA’s Digital Transformation Achievements at UNESCO Conference At the UNESCO Conference on Capacity Building on AI and Digital Transformation in the Public Sector, ReSPA Director showcased the Western Balkans’ progress in digital governance and innovation. Speaking in the high-level opening session on national strategies for digital capacity building, she joined global experts to explore ways to equip public administrations with stronger digital and AI competencies. The conference emphasised the urgent need to modernise services, address digital skill gaps, and foster sustainable transformation through international cooperation, marking a key step toward resilient, future-ready public sectors worldwide. |
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ReSPA Contributes to Public Administration Week in Albania As part of Public Administration Week in Albania, ReSPA highlighted its ongoing support for the country’s public administration reform efforts. This included backing a new initiative to train 600 public servants in the practical use of Artificial Intelligence. ReSPA also participated in the “You Are an Asset” ceremony, where policymakers, experts, and civil servants celebrated the dedication of 12 outstanding employees, discussed key legal frameworks shaping the administration, and explored the exhibition “A Walk-Through Public Administration History: Milestones and Movements.” The activities sparked meaningful discussions on the evolution of public administration and its future directions. |
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Indicative Programme Of Work 2025 |
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Programme of Work 2025 provides the directions for supporting human resource development, facilitation of knowledge-sharing, and promotion of structured exchanges with EU Member States to ensure that the region's administrations are equipped to meet European governance principles and standards. |
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ReSPA Team |
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Committed to Excellence: Continuation with CAF Implementation Embarking on the 2nd Cycle of the CAF process in-house, we reaffirmed our dedication to institutional improvement and quality management. Upon finalising CAF Workshops, we finalized the Action Plan, outlining targeted measures to enhance the organization’s efficiency, effectiveness, and service delivery. We are working toward obtaining the prestigious CAF Effective User Label - a recognition that validates adherence to the highest standards of quality management and institutional excellence. |
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Empowered With New Team Members: Boris Ristović and Caroline Socie Joined Our Team Boris Ristović possesses extensive experience as a monitoring and evaluation manager for flagship US and EU regional programmes, promoting freedom of expression in the Western Balkans. He also collaborated with the Council of Europe and the EU on reforms in human rights, judiciary, and public administration in Montenegro, as well as with USAID and UNDP Montenegro, OECD/SIGMA, UNODC, UNCITRAL, and OSCE. Expanding on the fruitful collaboration between ReSPA and the French Government, and as a testament to French support for ReSPA’s initiatives in advancing public administration transformation across the region, Ms. Caroline Socie, a French Technical Adviser, joined our team in November. She will lend her expert support to these crucial processes over the next two years. |
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In September, we continued to actively inspire other public institutions to build a greener and more sustainable future by working together in Urban Garden Podgorica. Immersing ourselves in the world of sustainable practices, we learned about urban gardening, composting, and eco-friendly techniques. |
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In December, we sought to symbolically support the wonderful team running the “Rastimo zajedno” (Growing Together) institution and bring joy to the beneficiaries of their institution. We donated equipment and spent time with them, drawing and playing, receiving a burst of love and positive energy in return, and being endlessly grateful for every smile and hug! |
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Knowledge Management Platform |
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