WAPES Managing Board Meeting in Ljubljana: a key moment for the 2026–2035 strategy
On 18 and 19 November 2025, WAPES held its Managing Board meeting in Ljubljana, Slovenia. Hosted by the Slovenian Public Employment Service, the members of the Managing Board spent two days analysing the association’s recent activities, preparing the 2026 action plan and defining the main strategic guidelines for the period 2026–2035.
A solid 2025 balance sheet and a structured 2026 action plan
The first day was spent reviewing the activities carried out in 2025 and the budgetary situation at the end of September. Members then examined the draft action plan for 2026:
- Regional activities, presented by the Vice-Presidents;
- Global activities, introduced by the Executive;
- Overview of the 2026 budget, ensuring consistency between ambitions and resources.
This working session provided a clear vision of future priorities, focusing on cooperation, mutual learning, support for PES innovations and the dissemination of good practices.
Review of regulations and strategic thinking
The Council also examined proposals to update the Rules of Procedure and Financial Regulations, including the introduction of a new annex: the Guide to Procedures.
This update aims to enhance transparency, organisational efficiency and the clarity of internal processes.
A significant amount of time was then devoted to strategic thinking for 2026–2035. Based on the questionnaire sent to members, three priority areas were analysed:
- changes to the contribution and membership model;
- activities, cooperation and innovations within the network;
- external partnerships and collaborations.
These constructive discussions will enable the finalisation of a long-term strategy that will guide WAPES’ actions in a global context of significant changes in the labour market.
Strong institutional support
The proceedings were opened with brief speeches by:
- Greta Metka BARBO ŠKERBINC, President of WAPES and Director General of the Slovenian Public Employment Service,
- Camille Moute a Bidias, Honorary President of WAPES,
- and Luka Mesec, Minister of Labour, Family, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities of Slovenia,
all emphasising the importance of international cooperation between PES and the essential role of WAPES in sharing innovative solutions to labour market transformations.
The members of the Managing Board, senior representatives of Public Employment Services from all regions of the world, reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration, developing innovative approaches and promoting professional solidarity within the network.
A study visit to Slovenia to conclude
The second day was devoted to a study visit to the Karst region, including a tour of a leading Slovenian employer and the regional office in Nova Gorica. Participants were able to observe local initiatives to support job seekers and discuss the challenges faced by those working in the field.
