EAEA Annual Conference - In cooperation with ICAE

12 June 2024

EAEA Annual Conference
Theme: Transforming Lives, Communities and Society

Venue: Helsinki Conservatory of Music

09:00 – 10:00
Registration and welcome coffee
10:00 -10:20

Welcome words

Gina Ebner, General Secretary of EAEA


Lauri Tuomi, CEO of KVS and Vice-President of EAEA


Robbie Guevara, President of ICAE

10:20 – 10:40
Welcome address by Anna-Maja Henriksson, Minister of Education of Finland (TBC )
10:40 – 11:30

Keynote Speech

Isabell Kempf, Director, UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning

11:30 – 12:00
Interactive Session in the Planery
12:00-13:00 | Lunch
Parallel Workshops
13:00 – 14:30
Different room per discussion
Workshop 1: Creative tools for advocacy and social change in the context of migration

Facilitated by Pinar Aksu, UNESCO RILA PhD candidate at the University of Glasgow.

Join this interactive session which invites you to reflect on your methods of engaging with policymakers, providing support for adult learners from migrant backgrounds and exploring possibilities of creating change.

In this session, we will explore the impact of using creative tools for advocacy and social change, sharing experiences within the workshop and ideas. How are migrants portrayed in the media? How are migrant adult learners portrayed within your communities? This interactive workshop will allow us to explore and experiment to understand advocacy for social change and how we change narratives.

Workshop 2: Communities as catalysts for social transformation and green transition

Facilitated by Laura Kaestele, network weaver at ECOLISE, the European network of community-led initiatives for climate change and sustainability

What is the role of community in the radical lifestyle changes needed for all to live well within planetary boundaries? Why bringing community and nature at the heart of what we do is a powerful drive for transformation? What can adult educators learn from sustainable communities? 

Join us in the workshop for some participatory, heart-felt and fun experiences and practices for community building, engagement and capacity in navigating transformation processes. We will also share inspiration and examples from local, sustainable community-led initiatives across Europe who care for nature and people showing that having a positive socio-ecological impact is possible. 

Workshop 3: Learner voice in action

Facilitated by AONTAS, Ireland

What can adult learning organisations do to encourage learner-led approaches? This workshop will share learner voice practices from across Europe providing insights into theory, policy, and practice. Learners and educators from at least three countries including Ireland, the Netherlands, and Austria will showcase how learners share their experiences, represent their communities, and lead the way to inform policy at national level. Join the workshop to get to know the existing practices in Europe and to reflect on the approaches that would work in your own context. 

Workshop 4: Global perspectives on ALE

Organised and facilitated by the International Council for Adult Education (ICAE).

What’s the global outlook on adult learning and education? In this workshop, participants will explore diverse international approaches and their far-reaching implications for policy, practice, and personal growth. Engaging sessions will delve into various educational practices worldwide, emphasizing how these approaches shape the learning experiences of adults. Through interactive engagement, attendees will critically assess the adaptability of adult education to different cultural contexts, with a focus on promoting inclusivity and effectiveness. The overarching goal is to empower participants with a profound understanding of global trends in adult education, providing practical insights for integration into their professional endeavors. Ideal for educators, policymakers, and those interested in the adult education sector, this workshop is an opportunity to expand knowledge and network with professionals from around the world.

14:30-15:00 | Coffee Break
15:00 – 15:40

Adult learning has an impact! How do we make it visible?

Plenary discussion facilitated by Gina Ebner, EAEA

Speakers TBC

15:40 – 16:00

Closing Remarks

Gina Ebner, EAEA Secretary General

Participation Fees: Annual Conference

Member Rate: 80 Euros
Non-Member Rate: 100 Euros

Venue: General Assembly

Helsinki Conservatory of Music, Ruoholahdentori 6, Helsinki

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