BELGRADE – The Transport Community, in cooperation with the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), is organising the 7th Social Forum, “Shaping Tomorrow’s Transport Workforce in the Western Balkans,” on 19 November 2026 in Belgrade. The Forum will bring together representatives of European and regional institutions, the transport industry, academia, social partners, civil society and young professionals to discuss the future of employment in transport and the skills needed to meet the sector’s evolving challenges.
As digitalisation, decarbonisation, automation and demographic change reshape transport professions, attracting and retaining a skilled and diverse workforce is becoming increasingly important. This year’s Forum will explore how the Western Balkans can respond to these developments while promoting better working conditions, equal opportunities and inclusive employment.
The event will open with remarks by Talis Linkaits, Director of the Transport Community, and Baiba Miltovica, Transport Group President at the European Economic and Social Committee.
The first panel, “The Future of Work in Transport – Who Will Build, Operate and Manage Tomorrow’s Transport System?”, will examine the skills and workforce needed to support the green and digital transition. Representatives of EU institutions, academia, transport operators and social partners will discuss emerging skills requirements and the role of education, vocational training and employers in preparing the next generation of transport professionals.
The second panel, “Why Would the Next Generation Choose a Career in Transport?”, will focus on making transport careers more attractive and accessible. Discussions will address gender equality, youth participation, social dialogue, working conditions and the measures needed to attract and retain a diverse workforce.
The final session will highlight the importance of regional cooperation in advancing the social dimension of transport. The Transport Community will recognise organisations and partners whose long-standing cooperation has contributed to more inclusive transport policies and stronger stakeholder engagement across the Western Balkans. The session will also showcase progress under the Regional Twinning Initiative, launched by the Transport Community in cooperation with Open Society Foundations – Western Balkans. Selected civil society projects will highlight practical initiatives addressing sustainable mobility, transparency, citizen engagement, passenger rights and inclusive transport policymaking.
The 7th Social Forum will provide an opportunity to exchange experiences, strengthen partnerships and identify practical solutions for building a more skilled, resilient and inclusive transport workforce in the Western Balkans.
