The Cyprus Marine and Maritime Institute, the Human Resource Development Authority of Cyprus and the Foundation for the Management of European Lifelong Learning Programmes organised on the 1st December 2023, at Ayia Napa Marina, the first Regional Forum for Blue Skills. The Forum was organised in line with the European Year of Skills.
A welcome speech was delivered on behalf of the Minister of Labour and Social Insurance, Mr. Yiannis Panayiotou. Welcome speeches were also delivered by the Cypriot MEP Mr. Loukas Fourlas, Rapporteur of the European Year of Skills, and the Deputy Head of the European Commission Representation in Cyprus, Mr. Nikos Isaris. The Forum brought together distinguished guests from the European Commission, as well as key stakeholders of the Blue Economy from 25 different organisations across Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean, including policy makers, industry experts, social partners, higher education institutes as well as vocational education and training providers.
Panellists and working group participants had the opportunity to present and discuss the major challenges and opportunities for promoting Blue Skills. Discussions addressed the European and regional (Eastern Mediterranean) perspectives, aspects relating to the design, implementation, and assessment of vocational education and training programmes and core needs and aspirations of social partners for the promotion of Blue Skills.
The outcome of the Forum has been the drafting of a White Paper summarising participant’s major considerations and recommendations with the aim to provide sustainable adaptations, changes and solutions, which may have a marked impact in terms of structuring an effective stakeholder contribution and collaboration towards fostering Blue Skills.
