DVV International – Country Office for BiH and the Faculty of Philosophy of the University of Sarajevo, with the support of the Ministry of Science, Higher Education, and Youth of Sarajevo Canton, organized the International Conference "Adult Education in the European Education Area: Perspectives from Southeast Europe" on October 24th and 25th at Hotel Europa. The conference attracted prominent speakers from Germany, Croatia, Serbia, Slovenia, North Macedonia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Participants had the opportunity to attend lectures, panel discussions, and participate in thematic sessions that highlighted the key challenges and perspectives of adult education in the European education area, with a special focus on Southeast Europe.
Among the numerous speakers, the event was opened by Dženita Džano, Director of DVV International – Country Office for Bosnia and Herzegovina, while the Vice Dean Minka Džanko addressed the audience on behalf of the Faculty of Philosophy, University of Sarajevo. Welcoming remarks were also given by Thomas Lichtenberg – Regional Director for Southeast Europe and the Caucasus, Adnan Husić – Assistant Minister of Civil Affairs of BiH, Adna Mesihović – Minister of Science, Higher Education, and Youth, and Renata Rat representing the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany. Katarina Popović, Secretary General of ICAE, addressed the guests via video message. The event also included representatives from the Ministry of Education and Upbringing of Sarajevo Canton, the Ministry of Education, Youth, Science, and Sports of the Bosnian-Podrinje Canton Goražde – Minister Adisa Alikadić-Herić, as well as the Director of the Agency for Pre-School, Primary, and Secondary Education – Maja Stojkić, Director of the Institute for Adult Education of Republika Srpska – Branislav Radinović, and President of the Sarajevo Canton Chamber of Commerce – Muamer Mahmutović.
The conference program was dedicated to a critical analysis and reflection on adult education as a foundation for a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient education system. Through four thematic sessions, participants discussed issues such as the professionalization of adult education, the impact of crises on education, and the legal and financial frameworks that support the development of this field. Key topics also included the European Skills Agenda, the alignment of adult education with socio-economic and technological advancements, as well as the impact of demographic changes and digital transformation.
During the first session, participants reflected on programmatic innovations in andragogy and the adaptation of adult education during multiple crises and changes, while the second session presented practical experiences – from the development of university study programs in andragogy to initiatives aimed at enhancing critical thinking through public education programs. The third and fourth sessions focused on topics such as creativity in adult education, the involvement of educational institutions in strengthening social capacities, and the role of education in the field of protection and rescue in line with European civil protection mechanisms.
Throughout the lectures and discussions, participants exchanged views and experiences, highlighting the challenges faced by adult education in times of constant change and complex societal needs.
This event reaffirmed the importance of adult education in integrating lifelong learning across all segments of society, particularly within recent European Union initiatives. The conference offered a space for idea exchange, networking with related initiatives, and discussion on funding models and legal frameworks. The final outcome of the conference consists of 14 conclusions, which will serve as a guide for future conferences for all of us involved.