Save the date for the “Just Transition in Pernik” international conference

© ECONOMIC.BG / Economic.bg
Brand Media Bulgaria in partnership with the Municipality of Pernik are pleased to announce the “Just Transition in Pernik” International Conference scheduled for 16 January 2025, at the Palace of Culture, Tsentar, pl. "Krakra Pernishki" 1, Pernik, Bulgaria.
This event aims to empower regions in transition by showcasing best practices and lessons learned from European regions busy tackling their industrial and economic challenges. By focusing on sustainable development, job creation, upskilling, and reskilling, the conference will promote solutions that reduce disparities and foster social and economic cohesion in regions depending on fossil-fuels, especially coal.
Representatives of national and local authorities, education and VET providers, NGOs, private sector, SMEs from European regions in transition, representatives of relevant EU general directorates, trade unions and business associations, among others, will discuss challenges and opportunities, that should be considered by stakeholders in Pernik when fostering a just social and economic transformation of their region. Issues related to the distribution of EU funds in Bulgarian regions, labour market gaps and skills shortages, will also be discussed.
International guests will highlight successful initiatives funded by the Just Transition Fund and other cohesion funds that can serve as a benchmark for Pernik’s transition by stimulating new economic opportunities and employment. Beneficiaries from transitioning regions will be invited to share their stories and takeaways and provide practical advice to the stakeholders present.
Experts from the European Commission and national managing authorities will present EU`s plans to support the regions in transition, presenting future calls for proposals. Moreover, they will dispense guidance to potential beneficiaries on implementing ideas borrowed from other countries – all with the goal of providing local residents with reliable perspectives.
Why Attend?
This event is an essential platform for:
- Exploring cohesion policy funding opportunities to drive regional transformation.
- Learning from European success stories in just transition efforts.
- Networking with key stakeholders, including representatives from the European Commission, trade unions, SMEs, and local authorities.
Registration
Participation is free, but seats are limited. Secure your place now by registering on this link.
Agenda Highlights
10:00 – Registration and networking coffee
10:30 – Opening
Featuring addresses by Stefan Krastev, Deputy-Mayor, Municipality of Pernik and Dr. Yordanka Chobanova (Head of European Commission Representation in Bulgaria).
11:00 – Panel 1: “Capital for Change: Investing in Pernik's Just Transition”
Speakers include representatives from the European Economic and Social Committee, the Bulgarian Industrial Capital Association, Ministry of Labour and Social Policy, Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works, Ministry of Innovation and Growth, the European Investment Bank, among others.
13:15 – Panel 2: “Money talks: How cohesion funds seed the jobs of the future in transition regions”
Gather knowledge from successful initiatives in Slovenia, Croatia, Czechia, and Sweden, presented by the stakeholders driving economic transformation in their regions. Includes representatives of Bulgarian business and trade unions.
15:00 – Closing remarks
About the TOP JOBS Project
The TOP JOBS project is dedicated to promoting just social and economic transitions in regions across Europe. By fostering dialogue, collaboration, and practical guidance, TOP JOBS empowers stakeholders to create sustainable and equitable opportunities for future generations. Co-funded by the European Union.
About Brand Media Bulgaria
“Brand Media Bulgaria” is a media publisher and event organizer, founded in 2013 in Sofia. The company is the publisher of one of the leading economic media outlets in Bulgaria - Economic.bg, the first specialized ESG promotion platform in Bulgaria - ESGnews.bg, as well as Kmeta.bg - the portal of Bulgarian municipalities.
The company is the organizer of the "Mayor of the Year" competition, the ESG & FRIENDS international conference and many other business events.
Co-Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. The European Union cannot be held responsible for them.