Train the Trainer Workshop in Trieste, Italy, under the INFIRE Project
During the period of 23rd – 25th of September, 2025, the partners of the INFIRE Project (INnovative FInancing solutions for climate planning of REsilient and carbon neutral living areas), co-funded by the Interreg Euro-MED Programme, gathered in Trieste, Italy, at the AREA Science Park, one of the project partners, for the 8th Steering Committee Meeting and the Train the Trainer Workshop.
The first working day was fully dedicated to the project’s internal work through the Steering Committee meeting. Each partner responsible for a work package presented the progress achieved, upcoming tasks, and challenges. Updates were also given on the pilot activities carried out across partner countries.
The Regional Energy Agency of Pazardjik (REAP) shared the current progress in establishing an Energy Office in the Municipality of Peshtera, which will serve as a hub for citizens to receive advice and support on energy efficiency and renewable energy sources.
The second day launched а Train the Trainer workshop, focusing on knowledge transfer and capacity building. Training Module 1: “Building effective and efficient data management systems” introduced the principles of effective and efficient data management, from definitions and standards to key aspects such as consistency, accuracy, and traceability. This module included the following panels:
- Introduction & core principles of effective and efficient data management;
- Designing a robust data collection framework;
- Practical group exercise: developing a data management plan for INFIRE sectors;
- Group presentations and feedback;
- Wrap-Up & Final Feedback.
Training Module 2: “Green and climate bonds” focused on the introduction to the work of green and climate bonds, their standards and requirements, and how municipalities can apply them to finance sustainable projects, including a practical group exercise simulating a bond application. The session covered the following topics:
- Understanding green and climate bonds;
- Applying and Mobilising green and climate bonds;
- Practical exercise: simulated green bonds case;
- Group presentations and feedback;
- Wrap-Up & Final Feedback.
The third working day was dedicated to Training Module 3: “Financing energy transition”, which explored different funding opportunities and financial models for the energy transition. The training module explored the following issues:
- Funding opportunities for energy transition;
- How to choose the proper funding;
- Understanding citizen-led initiatives & Success stories;
- Practical exercise – simulated access to finance;
- Group presentations and feedback;
- Wrap-Up & Final Feedback.
The three-day event in Trieste successfully combined strategic planning with capacity building. The meeting concluded with a discussion on providing innovative financing solutions that support the creation of resilient and carbon-neutral living areas across the Euro-MED region.
