As countries face growing labour shortages, skills mismatches and demographic change, Skills Mobility Partnerships (SMPs) are attracting increasing attention as a way to connect legal labour migration with skills development, while addressing labour market needs in both countries of origin and destination.
You may watch the recording of the webinar in English by following this link.
The webinar explores how governments can develop Skills Mobility Partnerships that benefit both countries of origin and destination. Laetitia Hohwieler and Caitlin Katsiaficas present key findings from a Prague Process study examining government-to-government initiatives that combine skills development with mobility across the Western Balkans, Eastern Europe and Central Asia.
Bringing a practical perspective, Haben Gedremedhin from the German Federal Employment Agency shares Germany’s experience in implementing such partnerships, including cooperation with Uzbekistan. The discussion highlights emerging trends, practical lessons and key considerations for developing effective and mutually beneficial SMPs across the Prague Process region.
The webinar was moderated by Irina Lysak, Project Manager at the Prague Process Secretariat, ICMPD.
About the speakers
Caitlin Katsiaficas is a Policy Analyst at ICMPD, where her recent research focuses on talent attraction and retention, skills-based pathways for displaced persons, and integration and inclusion. Prior to joining ICMPD’s Policy Unit, she held various positions at research institutions, governmental organisations, and NGOs in Europe and the United States, including the Migration Policy Centre, Migration Policy Institute, George Washington University, World Bank, and International Rescue Committee.
Laetitia Hohwieler is an Associate Researcher at ICMPD. Her research focuses on skilled labour migration, integration policies, international protection, and safe migration. Her recent work has examined Skills Mobility Partnerships, labour market integration of displaced women, qualification recognition, and medical country of origin information.
Since 2016, Haben Gedremedhin has been working in international relations at the German Federal Employment Agency, collaborating with countries from all parts of the world on labour market issues. Currently, he is leading a multi-year project on the recruitment of skilled workers in cooperation with Uzbekistan and coordinating activities across several partner countries. Additionally, he serves as Germany’s contact person for the World Association of Public Employment Services (WAPES).
The Prague Process Repository contains video recordings of all past webinars and policy talks.