Efka Heder - Revitalising Growth in South East Europe - 12 March 2014
Channel: IIEA
Date: 16/04/2014

About the Event:

The sustainable economic development of South East Europe is crucial not only for the political and social stability of the region, but for the entire European Union. Peter Sanfey from the European Bank of Reconstruction and Development discussed the region's process of transition to an open market economy and the reforms required to revitalise growth. Efka Heder from the South East European Centre for Entrepreneurial Learning (SEECEL) spoke about efforts in the region to strengthen human capital through a unique organisation that operates in the Western Balkans and Turkey. SEECEL works to promote entrepreneurship, innovation and policies for lifelong learning in South East Europe. The Project is supported by the European Commission's Instrument for Pre accession Assistance (IPA) -- a catalyst for reforms and improvement of the overall conditions in the enlargement countries, playing a key role on their journey to EU membership.

About the Speakers:

Peter Sanfey is the Deputy Director of Country Strategy and Policy in the EBRD, where his main responsibilities lie in the analysis of transition in South East Europe. He holds a Ph.D. from Yale University and he previously taught economics at the University of Kent. He is also a member of St. Antony's College, Oxford University.

Efka Heder has broad international expertise and experience with lifelong entrepreneurial learning systems, educational reforms, teacher training, policy development for education within a broader economic context, knowledge management systems and economic development through human capital development. She has over twenty years of experience as a teacher, teacher-trainer, policy analyst and advisor, senior international education expert and is currently working as a director of South East European Centre for Entrepreneurial Learning - SEECEL.

The Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA) is the means by which the EU supports reforms in the enlargement countries with financial and technical help. The IPA funds build up the capacities of the countries throughout the accession process, resulting in progressive, positive developments in the region. EU pre accession funds make political and economic reform easier in the beneficiary countries and prepare them for the rights and obligations that come with EU membership. The pre accession funds also aims to help the EU reach its own objectives regarding a sustainable economic recovery, energy supply, transport, the environment and climate change, etc. 

More information: http://ec.europa.eu/enlargement/

This event is supported by the European Commission.