As we navigate the complexities of the digital age and shifting societal values, the role of education in safeguarding democracy has never been more critical. We are honored to invite you to our upcoming seminar:
“Democratic Competences at the Core of Education 2030”
This session will be led by a distinguished expert in European education policy, who brings decades of experience from the Council of Europe and the Pedagogical Institute of Rhineland-Palatinate, Mrs Sabine Rohmann, Chairman of our Network. Together, we will explore:
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Competences for the Future: Why democratic values are the backbone of 21st-century societal life.
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The AI Frontier: Rethinking formal and non-formal education in the era of Artificial Intelligence.
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Actionable Strategy: Interactive breakout sessions to spark ideas for common projects and identifying support needs for your own NGO.
Event Details:
📅 Date: July 7th, 2026
🕙 Time: 10:00 – 12:00 CET
📍 Format: Presentation followed by interactive breakout rooms and final discussion.
Join us to recalibrate our pedagogical approach and strengthen the “European Idea” through active democratic engagement.
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„The world of yesterday doesn’t exist anymore!“ (PM Carney, World Economy Forum 2026) and the new world is already there! And education has to react appropriately.”
This new world faces complex challenges – from climate change and social inequality to the threat to fundamental democratic rights posed by polarisation. As part of the ‘Education 2030’ vision, the focus of education is therefore increasingly shifting away from mere factual knowledge towards the development of fundamental democratic skills. These skills empower learners to participate actively, responsibly and inclusively in shaping their society.
In this web-seminar, we will take a look at exactly what these skills entail, why they are more urgent today than ever before and how they can be embedded in non-formal teaching. We will discuss concrete approaches to how educational institutions can promote democratic thinking and action to prepare young people for responsibility in an open society. Let us explore together how EUNET can strengthen education as the foundation of a vibrant democracy.
Structure of the course:
Part 1: Introduction into the topic (ca. 20-30 minutes & discussion):
- Competences for / of the future and the importance of democratic competences in today’s societal life.
- European democratic principles and values – a reassurance and its pedagogical context
- Education via AI & education to social and democratic competences – rethinking formal & non-formal education
Part 2: Interactive exchange in break-out rooms
Participants will discuss in small group on the impact for their own work
Ideas & inspiration & suggestions for common projects
Needs for further training or other support
Part 3: Final discussion with all participants.
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About the speaker:
Sabine Rohmann has served as an Inspector of school, teacher-in-service-trainer, head of unit “European and international cooperation” at the Pedagogical Institute of Rhineland-Palatinate (Germany) until February 2026
Representative for Germany at the Education Policy Advisors Network (Council of Europe), until February 2026
Civil society life:
- Chair of EUNET, since 2024
- Vice-President of the European Centre Robert Schuman, Scy-Chazelles
- 2007 – 2023 Vice-President of the Robert Schuman Institute for Europe and head of delegation at the Conference of INGOs (CINGO) of the Council of Europe (CoE)
- 2009- 2011 Vice-president of the “Education, culture and sciences committee” of the CINGO
- 2012-2017 President of the Education and culture committee” of the CINGO
- 2012-2016 Member of the Board of the Committee of Directors for Education of the member states of the CoE
- Member of the Scientific Council of the Luxembourgish Institute for teacher training
- Member of the Scientific Council of the Junior University Daun (Germany, non-formal education
