ICAE co-organized and actively participated in the conference “The Power of Adult Learning and Education: Transforming Lives, Communities, and Society,” held in Helsinki, Finland, on June 11-12, 2024. This event, in collaboration with the European Association for the Education of Adults (EAEA) and the Finnish Lifelong Learning Foundation, highlighted the transformative impact of adult education. ICAE’s contributions included serveral activities.
The conference commenced with welcome words from Raffaela Kihrer, Deputy General Secretary of EAEA, Lauri Tuomi, CEO of the Finnish Lifelong Learning Foundation and Vice-President of EAEA, and Robbie Guevara, President of ICAE. Robbie also moderated an interactive session in the plenary, engaging participants in discussions on making the impact of adult learning visible.
Furthermore, ICAE’s Secretary General Katarina Popovic contributed to the plenary discussion facilitated by Gina Ebner of EAEA. This discussion featured speakers like Tuulikki Laes, a researcher at the University of the Arts Helsinki, Anna Ekström, former Swedish Minister of Education, and Alex Stevenson from the Learning and Work Institute in the UK.
ICAE-Facilitated Workshop: Global Perspective on Adult Learning and Education (ALE): Moderated by ICAE President Robbie Guevara and Secretary General Katarina Popovic, this workshop explored diverse international approaches to adult learning and their implications for policy, practice, and personal growth. The session engaged participants in discussions on global trends, inclusivity, and effective practices, providing practical insights for their professional endeavors.
Key Discussions:
- Global Trends in Adult Education: Katarina Popovic presented an overview of current global trends, including peace education, digitalization, and lifelong learning.
- Experiences by ICAE Vice Presidents: Video presentations highlighted regional challenges and innovative responses in adult education, emphasizing the need for advocacy, funding, and relevant curriculum development.
- Reflection and Collaboration: Small group discussions allowed participants to reflect on the insights shared and identify responses relevant to their own practices. The session on advocacy and global frameworks, like the Marrakech Framework for Action, underscored the importance of international collaboration.
The conference provided opportunities for networking, knowledge sharing, and collaboration among professionals from around the world. ICAE is proud to have been a part of this significant event, reinforcing our commitment to transforming lives and communities through adult education. For more details on the conference, visit EAEA Conference.
