From Kosovo to Luxembourg: advancing skills for a more inclusive digital future

As part of the Skills for sustainable jobs in Kosovo project, representatives from Women in Tech Kosovo (WiT Kosovo) and selected training beneficiaries travelled to Luxembourg in April for a hands-on study visit exploring digital innovation, inclusion, and lifelong learning. 

The visit marked the final step for the first group who were part of the partnership between the project and WiT Kosovo, which focused on equipping young people, especially women, with essential ICT skills. A total of 77 participants, 65 of which were women, completed short-term training modules covering artificial intelligence (AI), digital transformation, cybersecurity, finance, soft skills, and programming.

At the end of the programme, trainees spent three days developing AI-driven personal web pages – many learning to code for the first time – and later pitched their business ideas to a "Shark Tank"-style panel, where winners were selected for the study tour to Luxembourg, making the programme a unique platform to develop, showcase, and potentially fund innovative ideas.

Participants engaged in interactive sessions, simulations, and meetings with key organisations, including the Interdisciplinary Centre for Security, Reliability and Trust (SnT) at the University of Luxembourg, and the National Centre for Continuous Professional Training (CNFPC).

A key focus was on CNFPC Esch’s Skills Bridges initiative, launched by the Ministry of National Education, Childhood, and Youth in the 2024–2025 academic year. This programme offers short-term upskilling and reskilling opportunities for adults to adapt to new technologies and transition into emerging professions. Participants explored how similar approaches can be applied in Kosovo to address labour market needs and support women in ICT career transitions.

Insights gained will guide the development of tailored short-term WiT courses in Kosovo to enhance workforce adaptability and bridge the digital skills gap. These encounters supported Kosovo’s ongoing efforts to modernise its lifelong learning system, boost workforce adaptability, and empower more women to thrive in the digital economy.

The study tour to Luxembourg:

• provided first-hand exposure to one of Europe’s most advanced digital ecosystems;
• deepened participants’ understanding of AI, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies;
• fostered strategic cooperation with Luxembourg’s leading tech institutions;
• explored academic models like Skills Bridges at CNFPC Esch; and
• strengthened cross-border collaboration on women’s inclusion in ICT.

The initiative, "The NextGen Workforce: Upskilling for the AI Era in Kosovo", led by WiT Kosovo with the support of LuxDev and financed by the Government of Luxembourg, brought together professionals, fostered collaboration with industry leaders, and aims to ensure long-term sustainability.

Running initially until May 2025, the "NextGen Workforce", thanks to the impressive results of the partnership, has seen an extension of the initiative for another five months until October 2025. The initiative is aligned with Kosovo's national digital and gender equality strategies, paving the way for a more inclusive and tech-savvy future. It is part of the broader Skills for sustainable jobs in Kosovo project, which contributes to sustainable economic growth by supporting innovation, inclusiveness, and social development in a greener Kosovo.

The Skills for sustainable jobs in Kosovo project is funded by the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and implemented by LuxDev, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency.