Educating citizenship for resilient societies

In a landscape of increasing social and political polarisation, there is an urgent need to reinforce the intrinsic value of education for the health of our democratic societies. This session is a direct intervention, designed to shift the focus from abstract ideals to practical, actionable solutions. It builds on the recommendations from the previous year's event, using them as a foundation to address new realities and deepen the discussion.  

The core problem this session confronts is the relegation of citizenship skills to a low-priority "fourth pillar" in policy frameworks - an afterthought expected to materialize without dedicated investment or engagement.  

Our session reframes this narrative, positioning active citizenship not as a supplement, but as the foundational element of resilient communities. Our premise is that multigenerational, lifelong education is the key to building non-polarised communities of critical thinkers. Unlike discussions that defer solutions to future generations, our focus is firmly on the present. 

By first establishing a shared policy framework, we empower all participants – regardless of their background – to engage more deeply and effectively in the subsequent hands-on workshops. 

Key Thematic Pillars

The session is built on three interconnected pillars that form a cohesive narrative, moving from the foundational value of education to its practical application in building inclusive and resilient democratic societies. 

1. The Value of Education and Life-Long-Learning for Democracy
2. Bridging Institutional and Sectoral Silos
3. From Policy to Practice 

The primary goal is to produce a valuable resource that captures the collective intelligence and practical insights of the participants, serving as a tool for advocacy and future action.