Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping how we teach, learn, and connect. At a recent ETHLAE project webinar, participants heard how emerging technologies can impact inclusion, agency, and teaching practices. The session offered practical insights into how AI can become a meaningful ally in adult education.

On October 14, the Gender Equality Task Force for Lifelong Learning hosted a workshop during the European Week of Regions and Cities called “Inclusive Regions, Safer Spaces: Local and Regional Approaches to Gender Equality, Wellbeing and Digital Safety in Education”.

Adult education plays an important role in reducing poverty, yet participation rates remain alarmingly low across the EU, particularly among those who need it most. As Europe works towards its ambitious 2030 social targets, lifelong learning must become a part of a comprehensive and holistic anti-poverty strategy.

EAEA’s ABC of ALE training showed that adult learning is about empathy, inclusion, and making education fit real lives. Participants discovered that democracy isn’t just taught in theory, but practiced through learning that empowers people.

EAEA was present at the side event of the Porto Social Forum 2025.  The forum highlighted Europe’s commitment to quality jobs, yet education and training remained underrepresented in the main discussions. Adult participation in learning must increase significantly. The RALExILA project, coordinated by EAEA, is contributing to this goal and improve transparency and flexibility of adult learning systems.

Emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and virtual reality (VR) are already changing the way we learn and teach. These technologies can be embedded in different sectors, including adult education. While questions remain about their learning impact and ethical use in education, successful examples demonstrate their potential.

The Engage4BIO project supported the uptake of bioeconomy and its practices at European and local level. All the resources and frameworks now available!

While emerging technologies promise to support adult learning with better access and potential personalisation, significant challenges remain. Across countries and institutions, the integration of digital tools remains uneven, not due to lack of ambition, but because of insufficient resources and training and limited policy support.

Multiple global and European policy agendas recognise the challenges of the digital transition and the green transition, from Agenda 2030 to the European Green Deal. Increasingly, the green and digital transitions are no longer considered separately, but as a twin transition. Adult educators have an important role to play in these transitions.

From June 30 to July 2, the LEVERS – Fostering active engagement in climate education – Horizon Europe project organised a workshop in Brussels on building climate action plans and applying insights to working on climate change through education.