Part I. Welcome speeches by guests and congress organizers.

Part II. Debate. The synergy between EU-policies and funding and WorldSkills/EuroSkills to raise the
attractiveness of VET and support reforms.

The financial opportunities provided by EU-funding (European Social Fund, Recovery and Resilience Facility,
Erasmus+ etc.), combined with the outreach of WorldSkills competitions and established WorldSkills
educational standards, form a comprehensive set of tools to transform vocational education and training
in Europe. Valuable examples can be found in countries that have used EU-funding to support reforms in
VET, boost the attractiveness of sectors and fill vacancies for sectors in demand. Some countries have
established close collaborations between VET institutions, business partners, and WorldSkills
organizations. Other countries have used the power of skills competitions organised by WorldSkills to
attract learners to the VET sector and promote VET excellence in Europe, including by EU-funding.

Digital competences and keeping up with the rapid development of technology pose challenges for individuals across all generations. Digital skills are crucial for professional development, job freedom, exploration and pursuit of passions, communication, and leisure activities. One of the most significant digital challenges of the 21st century is the increasing use of Artificial Intelligence in education and vocational training, with a particular focus on defining its benefits and risks. Digital transformation is also one of the European Commission’s priorities, as reflected also on EU 2021-2027 funding programmes (RRF, ESF+, Digital Europe, Erasmus+).

Key issues in this area include:
How to design an education and training system transformation considering digitalization and rapid technological changes? In what ways can a digital society and technologies drive new approaches to learning, discovering, and pursuing passions? How does the development of digital competencies support an innovative economy? How does EU funding support digital transformations and the development of digital competencies?

European Universities and Centres of Vocational excellence, as part of the vision for a new European Education Area by 2025, aim to enhance the collaboration between education and training stakeholders and businesses for the better education of people of all ages. European Universities are currently a crucial topic in the context of a transnational alliance of higher education institutions across the European Union. Centres of Vocational excellence are a flagship of Erasmus+.

Key issues in this area include:
How does the EU funding (ex. Erasmus+; ESF+ etc.) support the implementation of the European University concept and Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVEs)? What are European Universities and CoVEs, and what benefits do they bring to learners, doctoral candidates, and young researchers? How do European Universities and Centres of Vocational excellence support research excellence and knowledge transfer? How do they facilitate knowledge and experience exchange? Why are European Universities and Centres of Vocational Excellence referred to as the key to innovative teaching, research, and learning?

One of the critical challenges of the 21st century is to address the climate crisis, develop a low-emission economy with the principles of a just transition, promote the renewable energy sector, and achieve ambitious climate policy goals in line with the Paris Agreement and the EU Green Deal. It is worth emphasizing that different EU-funds ( Recovery and Resilience Facility, Just Transition Fund, European
Social Fund Plus, Erasmus+) provide significant support for the development of green skills. The Communication of 1 February 2023 on the Green Deal Industrial Plan gives new urgency to the development of skills for the green transition with skills being one of its four pillars.

Raising awareness about the impacts of climate change and mitigation and adaptation strategies to changing climate realities is also one of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. This commitment is reflected in the Lima Ministerial Declaration on Education and Awareness (COP20) and the Declaration on Children, Youth, and Climate Action (COP25), and European Declaration on Global Education towards 2050, which call on governments to incorporate climate-related topics into school curricula and integrate climate awareness into national development plans and climate change strategies.

Key issues in this area include:
How can we raise climate awareness among the younger generation and develop green competencies and
skills? Why is education and training crucial for achieving a net-zero economy and technologies? What are the
European and global experiences in implementing green education and training? How can we build climate
strategies for teaching and learning in Education and training? What are the principles of a just transition that
promote social and intergenerational justice? How does EU funding support the goals of sustainable
development?

Solidarity and integration in education and training and skills policies as a tool to ensure social inclusion. Promoting excellence involves not only supporting the best but also ensuring that nobody is left behind, including young people who are not in employment, education, or training (NEETs), as well as adults in need of upskilling and reskilling, aligning with the objectives of the European Year of Skills. The EU Pillar of social rights sets principles and rights essential for fair and well-functioning labour markets and welfare systems in 21st century Europe. Promoting diversity, integration, and social justice in Education and Training Institutions and skills policies. Best practices for creating inclusive Education and training environments including within EU-funding programmes. Addressing educational disparities, integrating Ukrainian refugees into education and training and supporting marginalized learners and at-risk groups, also through cooperation with businesses.

Key issues in this area include:
What solutions do the European Social Fund and Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps promote to address exclusion and unemployment? The role of education in shaping empathy, tolerance, and understanding. How do education and training institutions support learners and E&T staff from Ukraine? Global and European support programs for youth from Ukraine. What are the foundations and principles of accessibility policies in European and global education systems? How does EU funding support interdisciplinarity, tolerance, and openness?