Success stories

Please describe how the project benefited your organisation

Meetings with specialists from similar offices have made it clear that the advisers in the offices of the committees of the Lithuanian Parliament are more involved in drafting the texts of legal acts and preparing arguments in the performance of their duties. In other countries, parliamentary advisers carry out more technical tasks. Since working on the content of legislation is the largest part of our work, we see the project as having a major benefit in terms of broadening our knowledge of the educational systems of other countries that are considered to be exemplary.

1. Participation in this project was very valuable in broadening the knowledge of the legislative procedures of the countries visited, the dialogue between the offices with similar functions and the public authorities and the interested intermediaries in the formulation of legislation implementing education. Meetings with the offices of similar committees in both the Norwegian and Icelandic parliaments have shown that in Lithuania, the advisors of parliamentary committee offices are more involved in the drafting of the content of the legislation, and we conclude that it is very important to ensure that the advisors' resistance to potential political influence is maintained when participating in the drafting of the content of the law.

2. It was very valuable to learn more about the education systems in these countries, their specificities and the means to address the challenges in education. In Lithuania, inclusive education is just starting to be implemented in the education system, so we had the unique opportunity to

Please describe how the project benefited the Nordic-Baltic cooperation

The Office of the Committee on Education and Science of the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania has established close and friendly relations with the offices of similar committee of the Norwegian and Icelandic parliaments, and we have been assured that in the future, if we need information about an institution or an educational system, we will receive it.
The exchange of knowledge about the functions of the advisers of the counterpart offices led to the conclusion that the Lithuanian Parliament's advisers need to strengthen their resilience against political influences, as we work more with the text of legislation.
The newly established relationshipwill allow us to contact each other directly in the future for specific examples of the regulation of the education system, when there will be a major debate in the Education and Science Committee of the Lithuanian Parliament, and we need examples of good practice, or the reasons for why other countries prefer or do not prefer a certain direction.

References in the media

The meetings did not receive media coverage. However, we plan to share the success of the project with the Lithuanian Seimas Chancellery community in order to encourage them to also participate in the Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme for Public Administration.

Do you consider your mobility project valuable in terms of sharing experience?

Yes, for my home organisation

Please give an example of experiences/values gained through the mobility project

The project is of great benefit both for the quality of our own future work and for other colleagues in our organisation.

Please describe briefly whether the Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme for %s met your expectations

The programme fully met our expectations. We had a great opportunity not only to establish collegial relations with similar offices, to learn about the legislative procedures in other countries, but also to have lively discussions with the actors of successful education systems. The opportunity to not only see a presentation on a topic of interest, but also to ask questions, make clarifications, and inquire about details that have not been presented, is invaluable from a professional perspective.
The knowledge gained will be applied to working on draft legislation and preparing arguments for or against various initiatives.

Contact: Deimantė Žegunė, project manager of the project "A successful education system: education policymaking, national individuality, actors and their interconnections"

Please describe how the project benefited your organisation

The project "Smart Green Works!" has provided significant benefits to our organization by facilitating the adoption of best practices in the sustainable management of Riga's public parks and green areas. Through exchanges with experts in other Nordic countries, we gained valuable insights into innovative, smart, and digital solutions for managing green spaces. Specifically, the following benefits were realized:
1) Improved Knowledge and Skills: Our team was able to directly observe the application of cutting-edge technologies in green area management in Turku, Finland, and Oslo, Norway. This included digital systems for tree accounting and maintenance, and innovative planning strategies for large-scale green areas. These experiences equipped our staff with new skills and knowledge that can be applied to the context of Riga’s parks and gardens.
2)Adoption of Smart Solutions: By learning from the cities of Turku and Oslo we identified digital and innovative solutions that can be adapted to manage Riga’s green spaces more efficiently. The examples from these cities showcased how smart technologies can optimize resource allocation and enhance the sustainability of urban green areas.
3)Development of Recommendations for Sustainable Management: Based on the study visits, each memeber of the stuy developed actionable recommendations for "Riga's forests" on how to implement smarter and more sustainable management practices from her work perspective. These recommendations will help streamline operations, reduce environmental impact, and improve the long-term health of Riga’s parks and green spaces.

Please describe how the project benefited the Nordic-Baltic cooperation

The following key benefits emerged from the collaboration:
1) Knowledge Exchange: The project facilitated the sharing of expertise between Nordic and Baltic countries, particularly in the areas of smart and sustainable management of urban parks and green areas. Through study visits to Turku, Finland, and Oslo, Norway, our team from Riga was able to observe first-hand the innovative practices employed in these leading Nordic cities. This cross-border exchange of knowledge fostered mutual learning and encouraged the adoption of best practices across the region.
2) Collaboration on Sustainability Goals: The project aligned with broader regional sustainability goals by promoting the use of smart technologies and sustainable practices in urban green management. This collaboration supports the common vision of a greener, more sustainable future for the Nordic-Baltic region, where cities work together to combat environmental challenges and improve the quality of life for their citizens.
3) Strengthened Institutional Partnerships: The interactions with experts and institutions in Finland and Norway helped to establish and deepen partnerships between public bodies in Riga and their Nordic counterparts. These relationships pave the way for ongoing collaboration and future joint projects in areas such as digitalization, environmental conservation, and urban planning.
4) Promotion of Regional Innovation: By sharing and implementing innovative methods from Nordic cities, the project contributed to raising the overall standard of green space management in the Baltic region. It highlighted the potential for innovation in the public sector and demonstrated how technological advancements can enhance sustainability in urban planning, benefiting both regions.

References in the media

Rigas dārzi un parki Facebook account:
- https://www.facebook.com/RigasDarziParki/posts/pfbid02XFZVYJU1aYR7VQqdMHyfthpGr2X6YwnrLGFy242dp1BJNxFzj9D922Wu74jqNgntl;
https://www.facebook.com/RigasDarziParki/posts/pfbid0mdi3SGPg4HkqszEFZ6f3siKWtxxZswYMu3M6sSmVy3okffFiFdHTmkrdC7RGbErkl;

https://rigasmezi.lv/ziemelvalstu-un-baltijas-valstu-mobilitates-programmas-valsts-administracija-granta-projekts-smart-green-works-tulk-viedais-zalais-strada;

Do you consider your mobility project valuable in terms of sharing experience?

Yes, for my home organisation

Please give an example of experiences/values gained through the mobility project

The primary experience and value gained during the mobility program was the opportunity to meet and observe the work styles and practices of colleagues from the Nordic countries who perform similar roles to mine in Latvia. It was highly rewarding to connect with my counterparts and recognize that we share similar perspectives and ideas. Moreover, it was reassuring to see that they face comparable challenges and that we are aligned in our concerns and priorities.

Please describe briefly whether the Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme for %s met your expectations

Yes, the Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme for Public Administration met my expectations and provided valuable inspiration for future work. I sincerely hope that our Nordic colleagues will accept the invitation to visit us in Riga soon, allowing them the opportunity to become more familiar with our work and to experience the beauty of our parks.

Contact: Arta Krūmiņa, project manager of the project "Smart green works! (Exchange of knowledge in the field of maintenance urban green areas)"

Please describe how the project benefited your organisation

Latvian municipalities are very much interested in joining the UNICEF's Child Friendly Municipality initiative. Among the participants of Latvian delegation was Vice Chairperson of the Jelgava City Council Mrs. Rita Vectirane, who is also the Chairperson of the Education and Culture Committee of the Latvian Association of Local and Regional Governments. Mrs. Vectirane is interested in Jelgava City as well as other Latvian municipalities becoming child-friendly municipalities. Mrs. Vectirane will introduce the experience of the Nordic countries gained during the study trips both to the members of the Jelgava City Council and to the members of the Education and Culture Committee of the Latvian Association of Local and Regional Governments. With this, Latvian municipalities will be encouraged to assess the situation of children, prioritize actions and include them in the local development plans.

Please describe how the project benefited the Nordic-Baltic cooperation

Latvian Association of Local and Regional Governments (LALRG) established contacts with the Association of Municipalities of the Faroe Islands and discussed further opportunities and directions for cooperation. LALRG has always actively supported the cooperation of twinning municipalities, and such study trips, in which the leaders of municipalities participate, contribute to the formation of new municipal cooperation. Latvian local governments are willing to start and expand cooperation with local governments in Nordic countries that promotes sustainable development.

References in the media

https://www.klaksvik.fo/news/5838/ferdalag-ur-lettlandi-vitjadi-klaksvikar-kommunu

https://www.lps.lv/lv/zinas/eiropa-un-pasaule/8168-kuopio-pilseta-somija-tiecas-klut-par-labako-vietu-berniem-un-jauniesiem

https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klaksvik.fo%2Fnews%2F5838%2Fferdalag-ur-lettlandi-vitjadi-klaksvikar-kommunu&h=AT2cZsEkxcF1yfrGvjb8JwVhpfQ9sPA3q-9qgLCnCmr8LHrUoQVlNxEzsRcIpPTORiCc90m8wrzJdQ0w7Z9lLcUoX52lQH_oCdr6AxYVzzgLfKno1fY3QJ4PX433gv1IwqQO&s=1

Do you consider your mobility project valuable in terms of sharing experience?

Yes, for my home organisation

Please give an example of experiences/values gained through the mobility project

During the study visits, it was useful to learn in practice how to become a UNICEF child-friendly city. It turns out that it takes three to five years before a municipality is officially recognized as a child-friendly city. The municipality must develop a comprehensive analysis of the situation and propose a plan on how it will change the situation of children for the better.

Please describe briefly whether the Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme for %s met your expectations

Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme for Public Administration is a wonderful opportunity to get acquainted with the experience of other countries in solving various issues and to borrow innovative and best solutions.

Contact: Elita Kresse, project manager of the project "Development of the child-friendly municipalities"

Please describe how the project benefited your organisation

1. The project offered an opportunity to benchmark our work with the model examples of the Finnish Committee for the Future and the Grand Committee and with the committee organisation of the Storting. Discussions with Finnish and Norwegian collegues helped to identify both our strengths and achievements and prospects for further improvement. In particular, strong links with strategic governance system and good staffing were identified as advantages of Lithuanian practice; focusing of our activity on shortlisted priorities and supply of evidence appeared to be main avenues for improvement.
2. Meetings with the Office of Prime Minister of Finland and with the Eduskunta helped to understand the importance of well orchestrated interaction between the Parliament and the Government in futures governance. The Finnish process of reporting on future challenges and securing the continuity of futures policy across the electoral cycles is an instrumental example for our current work.
3. Meetings at the University of Turku and at the University of Oslo confronted us with breadth and depth of futures-related scientific research and with hands-on examples of its application in policy development and implementation. These meetings helped to acquire a more detailed understanding of global futures ecosystem; we got suggestions for participation in relevant events and fora; and contacts for personal connections.
4. At all visited institutions we had opportunities to discuss areas of personal responsibility of our team members, such as innovation governance; sustainable development; artificial intelligence; demographic policy; migration, etc. Insighs we got will be channelled into our day-to-day

Please describe how the project benefited the Nordic-Baltic cooperation

1. At all institutions visited we have presented the Committee for the Future of the Seimas and its work, in particuliar the development ot the Lithuanian National Strategy “The Vision of the Future of Lithuania “Lithuania 2050”. Both persentations were commended by the collegues of host institutions as contribution to exchange of policy innovation among Nordic-Baltic countries. In Finland, it was acknowledged that Lithuanian parliamentary Committee for the Future has gained its individual profile which challenges the Finnish predecessor and fosters its renewal. In Norway, a mutually enriching exchange on necessity of futures governance and innovation in Parliaments’work took place with participation of the Member of Storting, members of the Standing Committee on Education and Research, Ms. Lise Selnes. Joint input of Nordic and Baltic parliaments to global Summit of the Future was also discussed.
2. Members of Lithuanian delegation benefited from close examination of specific Nordic practices of anticipatory governance that are beint constantly adapted in (some) Baltic countries. Of particuliar importance were dives into work processes of the Finnish parliamentary Committee for the Future and its office; into model and process of Finnish Government futures reporting; as well as into the functioning of Finnish Futures Research Centre with its connections with national and international futures policy making. This examination will help to streamline the development of Lithuanian futures ecosystem with broader Nordic-Baltic context.
3. Mutual connections were developed with the representatives of parliamentary administrations and with research centres visited. Possibilities of future networking and mutual learning identified.

Do you consider your mobility project valuable in terms of sharing experience?

Yes, for my home organisation

Please give an example of experiences/values gained through the mobility project

Exchange of best practices of futures governance and discussion on opportunities of future cooperation with officers of the Eduskunta and the Storting and with researchers at futures research institutions. The Finnish process of reporting on future challenges and securing the continuity of futures policy across the electoral cycles is an instrumental example for our current work. We had opportunities to discuss areas of personal responsibility of our team members, such as innovation governance; sustainable development; artificial intelligence; demographic policy; migration, etc. Insighs we got will be channelled into our day-to-day work at Seimas.

Please describe briefly whether the Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme for %s met your expectations

At all institutions visited we have presented the Committee for the Future of the Seimas and its work, in particuliar the development ot the Lithuanian National Strategy “The Vision of the Future of Lithuania “Lithuania 2050”. Both persentations were commended by the collegues of host institutions as contribution to exchange of policy innovation among Nordic-Baltic countries. It was acknowledged that Lithuanian parliamentary Committee for the Future has gained its individual profile which challenges the Finnish predecessor and fosters its renewal. Joint input of Nordic and Baltic parliaments to global Summit of the Future was also discussed.
We benefited from close examination of specific Nordic practices of anticipatory governance that are beint constantly adapted in (some) Baltic countries.
Mutual connections were developed with the representatives of parliamentary administrations and with research centres visited. Possibilities of future networking and mutual learning identified.

Contact: Kosma Gulbinskienė, project manager of the project "Exploring parliamentary anticipatory governance practices in the Nordic countries"

Please describe how the project benefited your organisation

During the study visit, the delegation of the Estonian Ministry of Culture, consisting of ministerial integration, early adaptation and state language learning policy and services´ makers and advisers, has received a thorough overview of Norwegian and Swedish integration, adaptation and language-learning policies and services on all four available levels:
1. state policy-makers;
2. implementing state agencies, departments, and local governments;
3. universities and research institutes studying, evaluating and making forecasts for migration, integration, adaptation, etc;
4. local communities, e.g. services´ recipients and migrant-background communities (e.g. Malmö Muslim community).
During the study visit, the Estonian Ministry of Culture has accumulated a pool of contacts, effective practices, state-of-the art data and research on the above-mentioned topics in both Norway and Sweden to use:
1. to develop and reform the Estonian adaptation services (a reform that is under way);
2. organise joint initiatives / projects and expert consultations / conferences / state policy-makers trainings;
3. and keep a viable network of contacts to exchange ideas, practices and expertise among Estonian, Norwegian and Swedish counterparts on a daily working basis.

Please describe how the project benefited the Nordic-Baltic cooperation

During the study visit of the delegation of the Estonian Ministry of Culture to Norway and Sweden, Norwegian and Swedish state integration and adaptation policy-makers, implementing state agencies, departments, and local governments, as well as universities and research institutes have all received contacts of relevant counterparts in Estonia and have been invited to participate in joint projects and keep a viable network of contacts to exchange ideas, practices and expertise among Estonian, Norwegian and Swedish counterparts on a daily working basis.
For instance, two examples of immediate results of Nordic-Baltic cooperation after the study visit:
1. participation of Nordic colleagues, e.g. Prof. Göran Larsson, University of Gothenburg, in the international Integration Conference organised by the Estonian Integration Foundation in Tallinn in November 2024;
2. A course on societal radicalisation for relevant ministries and agencies, organised by the Ministry of Culture of Estonia, Estonian Ministry of the Interior and the University of Gotheburg, in Autumn 2024.

Also, all participants have been actively exchanging contacts, conference invitations, presentations and other relevant professional data within the newly formed network.

Do you consider your mobility project valuable in terms of sharing experience?

Yes, for my home organisation

Please give an example of experiences/values gained through the mobility project

The Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Estonia, responsible for the state policy-making and policy-development in the fields of integration, early adaptation and Estonian language services provided to adult new migrants (and adult residents of Estonia with no or poor Estonian-language skills), currently looking for best international practices to further develop and reform these areas, has found several matrixes of these services in the Nordic countries worth examining with the aim to possibly implement them in Estonia, e.g. individual adaptation services design that takes into account the limitations of different customer groups, including but not limited to people with little or no prior schooling, stay-at-home /women/working and single mothers/different communities.

Please describe briefly whether the Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme for %s met your expectations

The Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme for Public Administration met our expectations to the fullest. Indeed, the subject-matter of the study trip that was organised with the support of Norden exceeded our expectations as it provided valuable and very timely input and expertise that we shall use to reform early integration services in Estonia.

Contact: Oksana Talisainen, project manager of the project "Study visit of the delegation of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Estonia to Norway and Sweden"

Please describe how the project benefited your organisation

The institutions we visited all had very different profiles, which we also considered when choosing partners for the project.
Karolinska Institutet is one of the world´s foremost medical universities. They were kind to very openly share their various experiences in designing research support, alongside the decisions that had over time proven not to be very successful. They provided useful information on what to keep in mind when wanting to become more successful in applying for NIH grants and well as shared their experience of using a content creator to help design resources for academics. Their homepage, specifically the part created for internal use mainly, will defnitely be a benchmark for us when creating our own, in terms of how good visuals and an effective and logical way of structuring information cane mahe a huge difference.
The University of Bodo provided useful lessons on external engagement. Their profile as a regional university has enabled them to gain insight on how to cooperate more closely with the local community and other local parties. We have a lot to learn from them, even in our close cooperation with the ciry of Tartu.
The University of Iceland is an attractive employer of foreign academics as well as a desired study destionation for foreign students. They have set up systems to make coming to them as easy and painless as possible, and they have based all of that on good communication.
The visits also provided a chance for team building and increased collaboration between colleagues.

Please describe how the project benefited the Nordic-Baltic cooperation

It is no news that the Baltic countries often look at the Nordic countries and think of them as the more developed older brothers or sisters from whom they have a lot to learn. However, within the framework of the project, we learned and also taught the places visited that we also have a lot of knowledge and know-how to share and offer. The digital solutions we have developed to maximize our results and make our work more efficient impressed all the partner universities, and we have kindly invited them to all visit us in turn, so we can more thoroughly introduce the system we have put in place to provide high-quality services to our researchers and to succeed in bringing home as much external funding as possible.
We have now established good contacts within all three partners of the project.

Do you consider your mobility project valuable in terms of sharing experience?

Yes, for my home organisation

Please give an example of experiences/values gained through the mobility project

Unfortunately, I could only choose one option for question nr.5, but in reality, the mobility project was valuable in terms of the development of personal skills, for my home organization and for the host organization. One unexpected value that resulted from the project was the opportunity it provided for team building and creating collaboration and mutual understanding between colleagues outside of the typical work situations. This brings value to the home organization and, in many ways, also contributes to participants' personal growth and skills.

Please describe briefly whether the Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme for %s met your expectations

It certainly did and actually even exceeded them. We would definitely advise others to use this greta opportunity.

Contact: Tene Viiburg, project manager of the project "CO-STARS: Communicating Outcomes in Science, Technology, And Research to Society"

Please describe how the project benefited your organisation

As our team is working with same goals in the development of policy making, we had several fields where we got useful information and practices from the experience of Norway. For example, we have started running with large scale innovation projects in public sector and the experience of the StartOff was very useful to hear. We have the prototype of data-driven tool being developed, so the example of the use of data in the transport system was relevant. We are starting compiling voluntary national review of sustainable developement goals for 2024, so the experience of the engagement of stakeholders in the SDG-s in Norway, was good example to know.

Regarding Icelandic experience, the project introduced advanced methodologies for scenario planning, helping the Government Office Estonia to build up its system of anticipatory governance: anticipate future challenges and opportunities, thus improving strategic resilience. The integration of data-driven approaches empowered the Government Office Estonia to make more informed and transparent decisions, enhancing policy effectiveness and accountability.

Please describe how the project benefited the Nordic-Baltic cooperation

Our every teammember had at least one discussion in their own professional interest so they had new contacts from Norway and Iceland for future cooperation. Overall, the project fostered a more integrated, strategic, and forward-looking approach to regional development, enhancing the effectiveness and cohesion of Nordic-Baltic cooperation.

References in the media

We made linkedin post of our trip: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7083007541177200640/

Do you consider your mobility project valuable in terms of sharing experience?

Yes, for my home organisation

Please give an example of experiences/values gained through the mobility project

One of the biggest value of the study visit is the expanding the network.

Please describe briefly whether the Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme for %s met your expectations

Yes, it did met the expectations. The main need is to find out the most necessary topics to be discussed and find the corresponding persons who can share relevant experiences.

Contact: mari-liis sööt, project manager of the project "Strategy Unit´s study visits to Norway and Iceland "

Please describe how the project benefited your organisation

The main conclusion was that the structure in which crime scene experts and laboratory experts work within one institute, especially under the leadership of the police, is effective not only in Latvia, but also in other countries, which was confirmed by colleagues from both countries.
Latvia's experience is effective, because the police are under the supervision of the Ministry of the Interior, the experts at the scene work in close cooperation with laboratory experts who carry out expertise in various fields.
In Latvia, the government plans to separate the laboratory and place it under the Ministry of Justice. On this issue, both countries expressed different opinions and there were long discussions about the best scenario that could happen. Because in some countries such a division has already been implemented. And the connection between crime scene experts and laboratory experts has disappeared.
A big difference between the two countries and Latvia is in conducting expertise in the structure. In Latvia, expertises are mostly written in the institutions of the Ministry of the Interior. Only in some of the most specialized expertises are sent to foreign countries.
The countries of Iceland and Denmark are outsourcing their practice by concluding contracts and agreements with other countries where expertises are sent and written.

Please describe how the project benefited the Nordic-Baltic cooperation

The exchange of experience during study visits to Iceland and Danish has been organized in cooperation between the Latvian State Police and forensic experts from the Nordic countries. The main benefit of the project for Nordic and Baltic cooperation is the opportunity to compare the quality of Latvia and the Nordic countries management system implementation, crime scene investigation procedures in each country and investigate the management process. As well as the possibility of exchanging DNA and fingerprint database information, especially with Iceland.
The study visits provided an opportunity to view various quality management systems methods and processes, especially when transitioning to an electronic environment.

Do you consider your mobility project valuable in terms of sharing experience?

Yes, for my home organisation

Please give an example of experiences/values gained through the mobility project

The visit showed a great example of how to train staff how detailed the process is
are and which are the most important points in the preparation of specialists.
Seeing how the quality system working in another country provided insight into the directions our organization needs to take, what can be improved and what should be done differently.
As our organization has struggled with implementing and maintaining quality systems,
the visits revealed the struggles of other countries and also provided some solutions to solve it
similar struggles.
Methods, procedures, quality procedures, laboratory environment, equipment, cooperation, best practice.

Please describe briefly whether the Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme for %s met your expectations

During the implementation of the project, all expectations were met and even exceeded. Contacts both institutionally and individually, will be very valuable moving forward implementation of quality management systems, and the lessons learned have already provided additional ideas on how to solve certain problems that have already arisen, especially regarding digitization of many processes.
The support and knowledge base gained from this exchange is very important for the future cooperation between all participating countries and each other understanding between forensic institutions, as well as the exchange of information and data, will to be very valuable in the process of improving security in the entire Nordic and Baltic region.

Contact: Viktors Semjonovs, project manager of the project "Experience exchange with Iceland and Denmark, adaptation of best practice in the fields of forensics, crime scene investigation and quality management"

Please describe how the project benefited your organisation

We have already implemented some things we brought back from our visits. One example is the homework sessions where older students help younger ones. Our lecturer, who was part of the trip, has also organized advanced science experiments to spark curiosity among students and inspire colleagues to adopt a more hands-on approach to teaching. Through our Erasmus+ accreditation, a preschool and six technology teachers from the city have been on job shadowing in Tallinn, and in the fall, the city’s principals will also make a study visit there. Discussions are ongoing in the city about how we can involve citizens and businesses more extensively in our activities.

Please describe how the project benefited the Nordic-Baltic cooperation

Our visits have led to good relationships that we hope will result in continued collaborations. It is valuable for us at the central administration to have good contacts with school organizations in other countries. We want to expand our Erasmus+ network, and the Nordic-Baltic project has helped us advance in this regard.

References in the media

Yes, the press in Valmiera:
https://www.valmierasnovads.lv/valmieras-novada-viesojas-sadraudzibas-pilsetas-solnas-izglitibas-darbinieki/

Do you consider your mobility project valuable in terms of sharing experience?

Yes, for my home organisation

Please give an example of experiences/values gained through the mobility project

Good contacts for further cooperation in Erasmus+.

Please describe briefly whether the Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme for %s met your expectations

It was a great possibility for public administartion to be able to see how the Baltic countries organize the education.

Contact: Lena Lundström, project manager of the project "Nordic -Baltic perspectives on systematic quality development in education, from pre-school to upper-secondary school"

Please describe how the project benefited your organisation

Participation in the Northern and Baltic Countries Public Administration Mobility Program during the Shielding Strategic State Assets: Good Practice of a Comprehensive Security Framework project strengthened the international collaboration capabilities of the officers involved in the project and improved their skills in information exchange.
Officers propose considering the possibility for the Public Security Service to participate in foreign training programs on an exchange basis to enhance the skills and knowledge of the officers. This may include training on preventive measures, innovative technology usage, and other areas.

Through participation in presentations, discussions, and site visits, our officers gained valuable insights into the operations, procedures, and best practices of the Finnish and Swedish law enforcement agencies. This increased knowledge and expertise enhance our organization's capabilities in various areas, including emergency response, tactical operations, and protection of critical infrastructure.

Overall, the project significantly benefited Public Security Service by enhancing collaboration, increasing knowledge and expertise, improving preparedness, and strengthening security measures. These outcomes contribute to our organization's mission of ensuring the safety and security of our personnel and assets.

Please describe how the project benefited the Nordic-Baltic cooperation

The project significantly contributed to enhancing Nordic-Baltic cooperation in several ways:

Strengthened Relationships: By facilitating collaboration between the Public Security Service and law enforcement agencies in Finland and Sweden, the project fostered stronger relationships among Nordic and Baltic countries. This increased cooperation lays the foundation for future joint initiatives and exchanges of best practices.
Shared Knowledge and Expertise: Through participation in presentations, discussions, and site visits, officers gained valuable insights into the operations and procedures of their counterparts in Finland and Sweden. This shared knowledge and expertise create opportunities for cross-border cooperation and mutual learning among Nordic and Baltic countries.
Enhanced Security Cooperation: Discussions on common security challenges, such as drone-related issues and risk assessment, provided a platform for sharing experiences and developing joint approaches to address shared threats. By working together to enhance security measures and response capabilities, Nordic and Baltic countries strengthen their collective resilience against emerging security challenges.
Improved Information Sharing: The project facilitated the exchange of information and best practices among participating countries, enabling more effective cooperation in areas such as emergency response, tactical operations, and protection of critical infrastructure. This improved information sharing enhances situational awareness and coordination across borders.
Overall, the project served as a valuable platform for promoting Nordic-Baltic cooperation in the field of security. By fostering relationships, sharing knowledge, enhancing security cooperation, and improving information sharing, the project contributed to building a safer and more secure region for all participating countries.

References in the media

These are links to the publications about Baltic-Noridic project and officers visit:

https://vstarnyba.lrv.lt/lt/naujienos/viesojo-saugumo-tarnybos-pareigunai-lankosi-suomijoje-vykdant-siaures-ir-baltijos-saliu-mobilumo-programos-projekta-shielding-strategic-state-assets-good-practice-of-a-comrehensive-security-framework/

https://vstarnyba.lrv.lt/lt/naujienos/viesojo-saugumo-tarnybos-pareigunai-lankesi-suomijoje-ir-svedijoje-vykdant-siaures-ir-baltijos-saliu-mobilumo-programos-projekta-shielding-strategic-state-assets-good-practice-of-a-comrehensive-security-framework/

https://www.facebook.com/viesojosaugumotarnyba/posts/pfbid04UdRmdr8bpFeNDjAFA8iRhHBjexjrWwUAXhdVeF687achPcS6ZECpyrE8yurowxzl

https://www.instagram.com/p/C6gXvkgCoFu/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Do you consider your mobility project valuable in terms of sharing experience?

Yes, for my home organisation

Please give an example of experiences/values gained through the mobility project

Participation in the North and Baltic Countries' Public Administration Mobility Program during the Shielding Strategic State Assets: Good Practice of a Comprehensive Security Framework project enhanced the international collaboration skills of the participating officers and improved their skills in information exchange.
After visits officers suggest considering the possibility for the Service to participate in foreign training programs on an exchange basis, aiming to improve the skills and knowledge of Service officers. This may include training on preventive measures, innovative technology utilization, and other areas.

The Swedish police employ modern technologies such as data analysis tools, mobile applications, and internet platforms to more effectively monitor crime and respond swiftly to incidents. Afetr visit officers propose considering the implementation of modern technologies to enhance officers' productivity in Public Security Service.
Officers suggest exploring the possibility of using drones to monitor secured facilities. Drawing on the shared experience of Swedish police officers, incidents captured by drones ensure faster dissemination of information. Drones are an effective means to properly survey an area and swiftly prevent potential breaches or criminal activities. Additionally, footage captured by drones can be utilized for training purposes.

Please describe briefly whether the Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme for %s met your expectations

The Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme for Public Administration exceeded our expectations. The opportunity to engage with counterparts from Nordic and Baltic countries provided valuable insights and best practices that we could adapt to enhance our own public administration practices. The exchange of knowledge and experiences has greatly enriched our understanding and capabilities, contributing significantly to our professional development. We look forward to continued collaboration and further participation in similar programs to continue our growth and learning journey.

Contact: Ingrida Stragienė, project manager of the project "Shielding Strategic State Assets: Good Practise of a Comprehensive Security Framework"

Please describe how the project benefited your organisation

Participation in the project and the opportunity to visit Nordic cities Stockholm, Copenhagen, Frederiksberg and Horsens, whose public health policies, guidelines, and best practices have a significant influence on the implementation of public health policies and activities throughout Europe, including Latvia, was very inspiring and productive. It should be noted that the main cornerstone of Scandinavian public health policy planning is to create better living conditions and equal opportunities to achieve one's best health potential for every inhabitant, regardless of their socio-economic circumstances.
The program was broad and diverse, providing information on both public health and social services, their planning, and organization. One of the most interesting parts of the assignment was visits to various organizations. It was fascinating to see how these institutions operate and how they use innovative methods to improve public health.
Currently, the Welfare Department, the Health Administration, and the management of the Riga Children, Youth and Family Social Support Center are evaluating opportunities to develop a public health and reproductive health support unit within the the Riga Children, Youth, and Family Social Support Center's existing unit "Youth Support Center." This initiative could be a good example of cooperation between the social and health sectors. A meeting with representatives of the Ministry of Health is planned soon to assess the costs and potential implementation opportunities of such initiatives. The project provided insight into how such good practices could be adopted and integrated into the Riga municipality.

Please describe how the project benefited the Nordic-Baltic cooperation

The Project provided an opportunity for representatives from two Nordic countries, Sweden and Denmark, and a Baltic country, Latvia, to meet, share experiences, and learn about common issues in the areas of youth and social welfare. The experience gained and professional contacts made during the visits will promote collaboration in the future and the possibility of implementing new, possibly joint projects. It should be emphasized that the project strengthens both professional and personal connections between collaboration partners, improving mutual understanding and relationships. It is worth mentioning that both Denmark and Sweden are pioneers in public health and social welfare policies in Europe, and for the employees of the Riga Municipality, a valuable gain is the establishment of professional relationships between partners. Both Danish and Swedish colleagues were interested and willing to learn more about Riga's experience in implementing equivalent services, and there was also an opportunity to collaborate more extensively and invite Danish and Swedish colleagues to visit Riga. The project provided partners with the opportunity to communicate directly, without intermediaries or electronic communication constraints, thereby fostering trust and openness between partners for future collaboration. Furthermore, this closer collaboration provided an opportunity to get to know each other's culture, values, and work styles. For example, by visiting partners' offices, a deeper understanding of their work environment, organizational culture, and values could be gained.

References in the media

Yes, the project has attracted the media attention. Please see links to the media sources:

1) https://ld.riga.lv/lv/aktualitates/rigas-pasvaldiba-iepazistas-ar-socialas-atstumtibas-riskam-paklauto-jauniesu-sociala-darba-novitatem-zviedrija.html

2) https://www.riga.lv/lv/jaunums/rigas-dome-sadarbojas-ar-daniju-jauniesu-problemu-risinasana

3) https://veseligsridzinieks.lv/pieredzes-apmainas-brauciens-uz-zviedriju/

4) https://veseligsridzinieks.lv/pieredzes-apmainas-brauciens-uz-daniju/

Do you consider your mobility project valuable in terms of sharing experience?

Yes, for my home organisation

Please give an example of experiences/values gained through the mobility project

Participation in the project not only provided additional knowledge and strengthened international cooperation, but also reinforced practical approaches for future work with young people at risk of social exclusion, particularly in collaboration between the public health and social services sectors. The assignment was diverse, and when considering the long-term perspective for the potential development of new services in the municipality of Riga, the experiences of Stockholm and three Danish cities are unquestionably valuable and integrable. The experiences of these cities confirm that immediate service provision for social risks, including addiction prevention and rehabilitation, has a significant impact on effectiveness, the accessibility of low-threshold services, cooperation with the healthcare service financing sector for providing such services, creating opportunities for new services, reducing the prevalence of risk factors in society, and leaving a positive impact on public health.

Please describe briefly whether the Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme for %s met your expectations

The Nordic – Baltic Mobility Programme for Public Administration has met our expectations, and the participation in the project is highly appreciated by the Riga Municipality. The programme has provided the opportunity to visit two Nordic countries and four different cities (Stockholm, Copenhagen, Frederiksberg and Horsens), allowing us to become acquainted with social services provided for young people at risk of social exclusion.
The programme has offered opportunities for deeper understanding, stronger communication, and closer collaboration between partners. These factors are significant in the long term to improve partnership relations and achieve common goals in strengthening the Nordic and Baltic States region.

Contact: Andris Izinkevics, project manager of the project "“Integrated services for youth at social exclusion risk in Nordic Countries”"

Please describe how the project benefited your organisation

National Library of Latvia is initiating the planning of storage optimization. The opportunity to go on a mobility trip to NLF and NLS has allowed us to reconsider issues related to collection preservation, storage, and conservation, in order to more effectively develop the optimization of the Periodicals Department collection and address specific issues regarding physical collection conservation. The unique experience of examining microfilm collections and getting acquainted with the work of the Microfilm Reading Rooms at NLF and NLS confirmed that, from the perspective of preserving original materials, this collection remains relevant in the digital age, and as a service, it is highly valuable.
Acquired knowledge and ideas were discussed and presented to NLL management, colleagues and responsible specialists.

Please describe how the project benefited the Nordic-Baltic cooperation

During the exchange of experiences, we clarified that both NLF and NLS have publications available in Latvian in their digital collections, as well as certain collections available in both physical and digital formats, which are relevant to researchers in Latvia. Additionally, a representative from NLS expressed interest in NLL's photograph collection on zudusilatvija.lv.
During the visit, Scandinavian colleagues showed interest in visiting NLL in Riga and would like to visit the Castle of Light in person.

References in the media

Within the framework of the National Library of Latvia, in April, we shared our impressions of the trip to Finland as part of the event series "Encounters in the Librarian's Floor”. In may we are planning to share our impressions of the trip to Sweden as part of the same event - "Encounters in the Librarian`s Floor". We are planning to share our experience and valuable conclusions of visiting NLF and NLS in publication for web resource for professional information in the library sector - ww.biblioteka.lv.

Do you consider your mobility project valuable in terms of sharing experience?

Yes, for my home organisation

Please give an example of experiences/values gained through the mobility project

During the mobility program, we conclude at several significant insights. Firstly, that we are on a similar path together with our Scandinavian colleagues and make similar decisions regarding the preservation of the Periodicals and microfilm collections. Exchanging experiences and listening to experts in this field encouraged us to reconsider a couple of areas of operation in order to fulfill the duties of the collection keeper more effectively. We concluded that our Scandinavian colleagues carefully plan and consider cost-effective use of funds in activities related to collection preservation.

Please describe briefly whether the Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme for %s met your expectations

Yes. The visit to the National Library of Finland and the National Library of Sweden was very valuable, as we not only saw the work of our colleagues firsthand but also had discussions on interesting topics, gaining a pleasant and positive experience by opportunity to meet new people and learn more about the history and culture of these countries.

Contact: Karina Bandere, project manager of the project "Professional knowledge and experience exchange for more advanced services and smart solutions in the field of long-term collection preservation and access to periodicals"

Please describe how the project benefited your organisation

All three concert halls are using streaming services and digital technologies. It was important to explore and compare the technological and digital aspects of streaming devices and services used by teams in Helsinki and Stockholm. The project allowed us to learn the latest updates on the digital streaming aspect of the industry and find the more suitable digital marketing tools to connect with our audience. Moreover, every member has a chance to talk with colleagues from Sweden or Finland. It improved the knowledge exchange on the maintenance of the building, lighting design, marketing innovations, and product development. After the visit, we might implement a few innovative technologies that are used by our Nordic colleagues.

Please describe how the project benefited the Nordic-Baltic cooperation

The project benefited from the knowledge exchange and experience shared between the employees of the 3 concert venues. The main goal was to improve the knowledge of digital streaming technologies and digital marketing programs. Our colleagues showed different solutions like ticket selling platform Tix.is from Iceland and the audience development platform Markethype widely used in Sweden. We agreed on mutual information exchange on the development of streaming technologies to provide better access to the digital content for our audiences. All this knowledge exchange makes the industry more resilient. Moreover personal contact might allow us to plan future possible projects.

References in the media

It was more administrative visits so we didn't announce it publicly

Do you consider your mobility project valuable in terms of sharing experience?

Yes, for my home organisation

Please give an example of experiences/values gained through the mobility project

Liepāja Concert Hall "Great Amber" team improved their experience in innovation solutions for audience development including streaming services and technologies, and digital marketing tools. The marketing department of "Great Amber" already made an appointment with digital service providers used in Sweden and Finland to understand better their offer. Our team also discussed the quality of the digital products (better light design, camera set up, etc) and the best tools to reach larger audience in a short and long terms. Such an informal network facilitates information exchange and improves resilience of the cultural institutions.

Please describe briefly whether the Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme for %s met your expectations

Definitely. This is a great opportunity to foster changes in our organisations by following the positive example of our Nordic colleagues. Moreover, digitalisation and innovations are one of the priorities of the region and the mobility program provides more effective information exchange, learning process and motivation for our team to grow and to improve.

Contact: Timurs Tomsons, project manager of the project "Innovation in performing arts and new audience development"

Please describe how the project benefited your organisation

• Creation of new strategies to inter-sector and regional cooperation on different levels to improve quality of public services:
ideas on how to implement and audit education processes in schools;
need for deeper and strategic cooperation with local vocational training school;
improving strategies on building more voluntary activities;
development of more extended strategy for non-financial cooperation with local buisnesses;
closer cooperation with other municipalities to build strategies on solving common issues;
• Learning about sustaining high-quality services and meeting the needs of various social groups in digitalization process:
close monitor of digitalisation processsess to assure equality of accessibility to services;
• Increasing interest in public government activities:
new ways and ideas on how to increase public interest via voluntary work, community based activities and closer public-private sector cooperation activities.
• Gain of new progressive ideas within other EU funding projects from experience gained in experience sharing visits

Please describe how the project benefited the Nordic-Baltic cooperation

Improvement on Nordic-Baltic region cooperation by developing new partnerships and contact with various organisations in Finland and Norway and creating plans for future cooperation on discussed topics.
Review of current programmes and development of ways to include new partners in activities in Druskininkai municipality

References in the media

https://druskininkusavivaldybe.lt/projektai/tvarios-ekonomines-sistemos-pletojimas-turistiniuose-miestuose-diversifikuojant-verslo-sakas-ir-keliant-viesuju-paslaugu-kokybe

Do you consider your mobility project valuable in terms of sharing experience?

Yes, for my home organisation

Please give an example of experiences/values gained through the mobility project

Increasing community value of local vocational school;
Improving private-public sectors relationships via community based activities/initiatives;
Strategies on how to evaluate the need of certain projects or activities;
How to build digitalistaion process strategies;
How to cover certain comunity/residents' needs via voluntary activities;
How to improve cooperation between various administrative levels (from national-to regional -to local);
Development of means to attract bigger variety of economic activities to municipality

Please describe briefly whether the Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme for %s met your expectations

Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme for Public Administration met our needs and activities exceeded our expectations. Nordic countries have build very high standart for public services that can be widely applied in Baltic countries as well. Including some of these practicies or principles in our work will help build stronger and more positive policies

Contact: Dalia Gustaite, project manager of the project "Development of sustainable eco(nomy)-system in high-tourism areas and increasing the scope of business activities via high quality of public services"

Please describe how the project benefited your organisation

During two study visits to Finland and Norway it was a possibility to visit different types of institutions and organizations working in the filed of elderly policy measures, to get informations about the recent reforms in social, helath care and administrative levels.

Please describe how the project benefited the Nordic-Baltic cooperation

Demographic changes and aging of population is a common challenge for Nordic and Baltic countires. Study visits to Finland and Norway is a mutual learning possibility for both sides and a possibility to exchange formally and informally the best practices and challenges.

Do you consider your mobility project valuable in terms of sharing experience?

Yes, for my home organisation

Please give an example of experiences/values gained through the mobility project

Possibility to get informally information about the newest political developments in social and health sector, to meet in person and with social servants from central and municipal level, experts, social partners working with the topic of senior citizens, visit partner institutions.

Please describe briefly whether the Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme for %s met your expectations

Yes, it was a good possibility to establish new contacts and strengthen existing contacts that could be used for the future cooperation and new projects.

Contact: Audra Mikalauskaitė, project manager of the project "Social inclusion of elderly people in aging societies"

Please describe how the project benefited your organisation

It has benefited Lithuanian institutions on two levels:
1. Ministry of Social Security and Labour: the ministry advisor had a chance to learn about effective strategies for supporting and enabling municipalities to successfully fulfil their legal obligations to take gender equality and equal opportunities measures. Also, the project has benefited the Ministry by acquainting the advisor with different strategies of coordination, accountability, monitoring and partnering between national and municipal levels.
2. Municipalities: municipality officers had a chance to learn about how equal opportunities and gender equality questions are related to local politics, what measures municipality level institutions can take in order to improve the state of equal opportunities in Lithuania, what challenges might arise and what potential solutions can be implemented. Municipality officers have also increased their competencies with regards to understanding issues of sexism, racism, homophobia, xenophobia, discrimination of people with disabilities as well as how these oppressive systems intersect.

Please describe how the project benefited the Nordic-Baltic cooperation

The project acquainted project participants' with institutions and the main actors working in the areas of gender equality and equal opportunities in Lithuania, Iceland and Denmark, therefore identifying potential partners for future projects. Also, the project has allowed for exchanging insights regarding challenges and solutions of gender equality and equal opportunities amongst the three countries. Finally the project benefited Nordic-Baltic cooperation by increasing exchange of relevant materials (i.e. statistics, studies, research papers, action plans, reports, etc.) as it pertains to gender quality and equal opportunities.

Do you consider your mobility project valuable in terms of sharing experience?

Yes, for personal skills

Please give an example of experiences/values gained through the mobility project

It was valubale to learn how institutions and organisations in other countries work to tackle the same issues that are relevant in Lithuania. For example how the unit of Gender Equality at the municipality of Copenhagen organise and prioritise their work to achieve gender equality progress with limited resources and in terminated timeline.

Please describe briefly whether the Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme for %s met your expectations

The program has met my expectations as we got to visit different institutions with various experiences, gain new knowledge with regards to both the structuring of gender equality and equal opportunity efforts as well as the specific practices that can be implemented to advance these efforts.

Contact: Augustė Dudutytė, project manager of the project "Study visits for better policy making processes in the field of gender equality and equal rights (vol.2)"

Please describe how the project benefited your organisation

The meetings between Estonian officials and their counterparts in Iceland and Sweden were significant for enhancing relations and fostering collaboration. Through these interactions, Estonian officials gained insights into governance, innovation, and other areas from their Icelandic and Swedish counterparts. Opportunities for collaborative initiatives were explored, aiming to address shared challenges and promote regional cooperation in the Baltic Sea region. Cultural and academic exchanges were also integral, enriching the educational and cultural landscapes of all three countries and fostering a deeper understanding among their peoples. Overall, these meetings strengthened the bonds between Estonia, Iceland, and Sweden, laying the groundwork for enduring partnerships and mutual growth through dialogue, knowledge sharing, and collaborative initiatives.

Please describe how the project benefited the Nordic-Baltic cooperation

The visits between Estonian officials to Iceland and Sweden greatly benefited Nordic-Baltic cooperation by developing closer ties. The visit provided an opportunity for constructive dialogue between Estonia, Iceland, Sweden, and other Nordic-Baltic countries. By exchanging views and discussing common challenges, the visit helped build consensus on regional priorities and initiatives. The exchange allowed for the sharing of best practices and experiences in various areas. By coming together and working towards common goals, the visit reinforced the sense of shared identity and purpose among Nordic-Baltic countries.

Do you consider your mobility project valuable in terms of sharing experience?

Yes, for my home organisation

Please give an example of experiences/values gained through the mobility project

The fact that the Foreign Affairs Committee participated in the project it helped make the needed connection more personal and we were able to hone our diplomatic skills needed for the job.

Please describe briefly whether the Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme for %s met your expectations

As have participated in the programme before and I had high expectations that were met one again. The host organization were welcoming and helps us to gain a better understanding of their affairs. The programme is a good way to foster communication and shared practices between NB8 countries.

Contact: Elise Ernesaks, project manager of the project "Study visits to the Parliaments of Iceland and Sweden"

Please describe how the project benefited your organisation

Although it seems that the Nordic countries are significantly ahead of Latvia when it comes to sustainability issues, we saw during the experience exchange visits that we often face the same challenges. And these are the questions of how to measure the impact of environment, climate and sustainability, what are results which show our progress and how to convince politicians for purposeful actions, not populist promises.
The representatives of the Hoor municipality admit that it is important in planning that the documents are developed by the employees themselves and no outsourcing is used, so it is possible to discuss important issues for the municipality, including problematic issues, and to seek a compromise between different interests. This is an important insight, because in Cēsis we develop a lot of planning documents ourselves and the question often arises whether to outsource this process. Questions about the development of the territory are worth discussing with the public - involving communities, residents, various groups of society in decision-making.
In recent years, the political culture in Latvia has been changing, when the public is increasingly involved in making various decisions, issues are discussed with the public, management and politicians are no longer "afraid" of the public's opinion. Study vistis show that community involvement in sustainable development, circular economy issues and implementing new change processes is vital. We have communicated the findings from the visit to the management of the municipality, which we should follow as democratic society.

Please describe how the project benefited the Nordic-Baltic cooperation

The project has created new collaborations, as it is mentioned before, the representatives of the Hoor municipality continue to cooperate with the representatives of the Cēsis municipality, sharing their experience on natural resource management and also on waste management solutions. The experience of Hoor municipality in creating Nature based solutions in the city has been presented to Cēsis stakeholders. Cooperation with the Kerava community continues as a good practice, how to promote the connection of community initiatives with the municipality and support such community initiatives. In 2024, the municipality of Cēsis has planned a discussion with the public about the practical implementation of bioregion initiatives, where we see that the representative (CEO) of the Kerava community, Anna Evila, could participate and tell about her experience.
During study visits we informed the project partners about the Nordic - Baltic mobility program "Public administration" and possibilities to get funding for this kind of activities.

References in the media

Information in web pages, Facebook, LinkedIn:
https://www.hoor.se/nyheter/lettisk-kommun-lar-av-hoors-miljoarbete/
https://www.facebook.com/Hoorskommun/posts/pfbid0o1Uo3TmmSLpz86ngsFNM1AZTVVU1qp4dsyiEyXdncqfcgzSLcctQCb4ZbLN6jEaDl
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/h-rs-kommun_lettisk-kommun-l%C3%A4r-av-h%C3%B6%C3%B6rs-milj%C3%B6arbete-activity-7114595051896250368-PJXD?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/h-rs-kommun_lettisk-kommun-l%C3%A4r-av-h%C3%B6%C3%B6rs-milj%C3%B6arbete-activity-7114595051896250368-PJXD?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop
Ihttps://www.facebook.com/rainakvartals/posts/pfbid02vA3HGLCzFmdydicYRa5JSgSNhhmqvEKpB1UNocGvr7QWyFgof3FVk6tTawTidHuBl?locale=lv_LV
https://www.rainakvartals.lv/post/iedvesmas-un-ce%C4%BCojums

Do you consider your mobility project valuable in terms of sharing experience?

Yes, for my home organisation

Please give an example of experiences/values gained through the mobility project

One of the greatest values ​​is a common understanding of the complexity of environmental and climate issues in both the Baltic and Nordic countries. The informal talks between the partners were of great value in order to gain a deeper understanding of the common principles of how society, politicians and institutions in Latvia, Sweden and Finland treat climate change.
We are really happy about how interested the employees of the Hoor municipality were in their conversations with us and the deep, genuine interest in how we work in Latvia. At the same time, the Covid pandemic and various other external conditions have created the same challenges for all countries.

Please describe briefly whether the Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme for %s met your expectations

The program met our expectations and needs and within the project we achieved what we planned, at the same time creating new collaborations and new ideas for future work, which are important, creating a common understanding of how we work with environmental issues in Europe and thinking about future projects in which to develop new ideas.

Contact: Zane Pipkaleja, project manager of the project "Exchange of experience for the implementation of circular economy principles, public involvement and development of the bioregion idea"

Please describe how the project benefited your organisation

The project has realised several significant improvements in the qualifications of cyber patrols, yielding tangible benefits to their operations. These enhancements encompass more effective prevention measures in the electronic space, streamlined communication with notifiers, proficient management of the cyber patrol page, and the creation of impactful messages utilising best practices. The incorporation of new OSINT tools for information retrieval in the electronic space has fortified the patrol's capabilities, while the adoption of best practices has facilitated the creation of messages with the goal of achieving the broadest possible dissemination. These advancements collectively contribute to a heightened overall effectiveness of cyber patrolling. The patrols are now better equipped to navigate and prevent cybercrimes, demonstrating an increased proficiency in responding to incidents reported by the public. The optimised management of the cyber patrol page ensures a more engaging and informative online presence, fostering a sense of trust and collaboration with the community. By integrating new OSINT tools into their practices, cyber patrols have enhanced their ability to proactively search for information in the electronic space. This proactive approach aids in the early identification of potential threats and contributes to a more robust preventive strategy. In essence, the improvements implemented through this project have elevated the cyber patrols' capabilities, fostering a safer online environment and fortifying public safety in the digital realm. The project's impact is reflected in the patrols' enhanced skills, efficient communication practices, and adept use of technology, collectively contributing to the fulfilment of their crucial role in safeguarding the cyberspace.

Please describe how the project benefited the Nordic-Baltic cooperation

Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme for Public Administration was presented to colleagues from abroad, the concise description of the procedure for funding was presented, and what documents need to be filled out in order to participate in this programme. Colleagues from Finland also intend to participate in this project in 2024, so the information we provided to them was particularly important. Contacts (Emails, phone numbers, links to social accounts) were exchanged with foreign colleagues in order to develop further cooperation in the future. The Nordic and Baltic public administration mobility programme project turned out to be very successful, so Lithuanian cyber patrols will also seek to participate in this project in 2024, receive funding, and visit colleagues in other foreign countries.

References in the media

One colleague from Finland (cyber patrol) shared the group photos on his Instagram profile of the social network.
(Link: https://www.instagram.com/p/CyDjhUYNmEK/?img_index=1)
The photos shared show how the Nordic and Baltic public administration mobility programme helps to improve cooperation and the exchange of good practices. Colleagues from Norway shared the group photos on their internal police intranet.

Do you consider your mobility project valuable in terms of sharing experience?

Yes, for my home organisation

Please give an example of experiences/values gained through the mobility project

We found out how other countries manage virtual patrols and the tools they use to search for information. We got electronic links to better block harmful online content. We also got in touch with someone who can help us get a blue identification badge for our Facebook virtual patrol. We received a bunch of advice on what content to share online to increase our popularity. And the most important thing is that we created new connections, with the help of which we will be able to cooperate and exchange good practices in the future as well.

Please describe briefly whether the Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme for %s met your expectations

The Nordic and Baltic public administration mobility program met all our expectations. If possible, we plan to join again next year and visit other northern countries with virtual patrols. We'll also encourage everyone else to make the most of this fantastic project and visit colleagues abroad.

Contact: Tomas Špigelskis, project manager of the project "Training of Cyber Patrols"

Please describe how the project benefited your organisation

During the project trips, the employees of Valga County Vocational Training Centre got a lot of ideas on how to better advertise our school, how to get new students to learn different things, and how to expand our school's student base. Nordic countries, including Sweden, Norway, and Iceland, have highly regarded vocational education and training systems that could serve as models for Estonian schools. One of the key strengths of Nordic VET systems is their close collaboration with employers and industry associations. This ensures that vocational education programs are aligned with the needs of the labor market and that
graduates have the skills that employers are looking for. Many VET programs in Nordic countries also include on-the-job training, which gives students hands-on experience in real-world settings. Another important feature of Nordic VET systems is their emphasis on lifelong learning. In summary, Nordic countries offer excellent examples of how VET systems can be structured to provide high-quality education and training that meets the needs of individuals and employers alike. All the participants also shared all their ideas with their coworkers during a seminar and in different meetings at school.

Please describe how the project benefited the Nordic-Baltic cooperation

All of our project partners that we visited and cooperated with have a more hands-on understanding of how and why the Nordic-Baltic cooperation program works. We are sure, that all the experiences that we shared on the site visits, will benefit all the partners mutually. We surely have gained some ideas and are already processing the plan to change curricula to be more attractive to younger people. We already have shared experiences of participating in the Nordic-Baltic cooperation program with another school in Estonia and they are interested and researching already to participate also in this program. During this project, we also discussed a lot of our opportunities for further cooperation and we are planning the next steps to cooperate with these partners in the near future. Also, we introduced this project on our social media, and a lot of young people got their first knowledge about this project from there.

References in the media

Yes, we covered all the project activities in our school social media or website, in social media we have more than 3600 followers.

https://www.facebook.com/ValgamaaKOK/posts/pfbid0HFgSkGyiHHXP79V9cLZD6yJ6TiqvQnjAX2jjXxaKgSCZS1DZVBagEFgkgToRBp3ul

https://www.vkok.ee/et/uudised/valgamaa-kutseoppekekuse-meeskond-kulastas-nordplus-projekti-raames-islandit

https://www.facebook.com/ValgamaaKOK/posts/pfbid02MWPLU7fXsiAaFZkBsT4miMoviV8qBw1NQ32xefKMNSKCVoinkf2CHosvCwtDYhjfl

Do you consider your mobility project valuable in terms of sharing experience?

Yes, for my home organisation

Please give an example of experiences/values gained through the mobility project

All the employees of the Valga County Vocational Training Centre who participated in the project got a lot of experience with different learning methods and teaching methods, and the experience they got there from schools in the Nordic countries will help to raise the quality of teaching in our school and thus make teaching more attractive to young people. During the project, we encountered a lot of innovative solutions that we can later integrate into our teaching, of course, using new attractive tools and methods in our teaching, we must update our curricula to fit them. In Valga County Vocational Training Centre there will be further development of our work-based learning system, so that even more students can study in our school in the workplace, and we will certainly expand work-based learning to other specialties where it is not yet implemented. During the project we saw and encountered a lot of how Nordic schools have a very green attitude when they organize their education, they use a lot of different methods to reduce their ecological footprint, and we intend to introduce various measures to be more environmentally friendly in the Valga County Vocational Training Centre as well. We also investigated in all schools how they advertise their school and how they recruit new students to their curricula, we also got new ideas in these areas, how to improve the advertising part of our school and increase recruitment

Please describe briefly whether the Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme for %s met your expectations

Yes, the Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme for Public Administrations met the expectations, because we could share and receive a lot of experience, that helps us successfully develop our school and VET education's popularity and quality!

Contact: Maarja Adamson, project manager of the project "Innovative Vocational Education: Best Practices from Nordic Countries"