NEWS

from the FEDE

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ORGANISATION FOR ECONOMIC CO-OPERATION AND DEVELOPMENT (OECD)

The OECD is organising a webinar entitled ‘Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data privacy in the workplace’ on 16 April from 14:30 to 15:45 (Paris time). The growing integration of AI in the world of work will likely result in greater collection and analysis of data on workers and job.  How can workers’ personal data be protected, whilst at the same time enabling employers to operate their businesses effectively?

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On 28 March from 13:00 to 14:00 (Paris time), the OECD is organising a webinar entitled ‘Women, girls and Artificial Intelligence (AI): Paving the way to a balanced digital future’. As AI reshapes the global workforce, how can we ensure it narrows, rather than widens, gender gaps? This OECD webinar will bring together experts to examine AI’s impact on women’s employment opportunities, the role of education in closing digital divides, and strategies to make AI more inclusive.

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The OECD is hosting a webinar titled ‘Improving Skills Outcomes Through Stronger Coordination and Stakeholder Engagement’, scheduled for 18 March from 15:30 to 16:30 (Paris time). As labour market demands evolve rapidly, education and training systems must adapt accordingly. Ensuring they deliver the right skills at the right time requires strong governance mechanisms. During this event, the OECD Centre for Skills will showcase best practices for enhancing skills system governance.

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In December 2024, the OECD published a report entitled ‘Quality Matters: Strengthening the Quality Assurance of Adult Education and Training (AET)’. This document analyzes the changing landscape of AET, maps existing quality assurance systems across OECD member countries, and introduces a comparative framework.

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On 23 January, the OECD published a report entitled "Trends Shaping Education 2025". The document explores global megatrends that are shaping societies in the 38 OECD member countries through an educational lens. By imagining possible scenarios and exploring diverse possibilities, it enables education decision-makers and stakeholders to make well-informed, resilient, and adaptive decisions.

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In December 2024, the OECD published a report titled “Training Supply for the Green and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Transitions – Equipping workers with the right skills”. As the green transition accelerates and AI reshapes business operations, equipping workers with the right skills has become a pressing priority. But are countries prepared for this shift? The report examines the policies of the 38 OECD countries and finds that while investments in green skills are on the rise, policies for developing AI-related skills are lagging, often lacking a focused approach.

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UNESCO

The UNESCO Prize for the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in Education recognises innovative approaches in leveraging new technologies to expand educational and lifelong learning opportunities. The theme of the 2025 edition is ‘Preparing learners and teachers for the ethical and responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI)’. Interested parties are invited to submit their application by 28 April.

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UNESCO published a global report entitled ‘Leadership in education: lead for learning’. This document argues that, in pursuing specific goals, education leaders are more than just managers. They are change agents, who need the time, trust and support to focus on setting a vision and developing the people they serve and work with. 

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In the frame of the UNESCO-Japan Prize on Education for sustainable development (ESD), funded by the Government of Japan, organisations and entities engaged in ESD are invited to send their application. The Prize recognises the role of education in connecting the social, economic, cultural and environmental dimensions of sustainable development. The deadline for submission is 18 April.

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To mark the second International Day for Digital Learning, UNESCO is hosting a webinar titled ‘Digital Learning Realities in Low-Resourced Contexts’, taking place on 19 March from 12:30 to 14:30 (Paris time). Experts, educators, and learners from Brazil, Namibia, the Republic of Korea, and Uzbekistan will share best practices for overcoming systemic challenges and promoting digital learning quality and equity in underserved educational environments.

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UNESCO will host the next edition of Digital Learning Week (DLW) from 2 to 5 September in Paris and online, under the theme ‘Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the futures of education’. Key topics will include: the current influence of AI on pedagogy, teachers, assessment, curriculum design and education management; strategies for education stakeholders, policymakers and teachers to lead the co-creation of ethical, inclusive and equitable AI by design; the use of foresight and related methodologies to explore inclusive futures for AI in education. 

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UNESCO recently published a report entitled ‘Languages matter: Global guidance on multilingual education’. The linguistic landscape has evolved significantly in recent years, shaped by migration, technological developments, and growing recognition of multilingualism’s cognitive, social and economic benefits. This guide provides updated principles for language-in-education policies, positioning multilingualism as a fundamental educational approach. 

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UNESCO recently published AI competency frameworks - one for students and one for teachers - available in both English and French. These publications aim to help educators and students integrate artificial intelligence (AI) learning objectives into official school curricula, preparing students to become responsible and creative citizens in the AI era. By guiding teachers and students on both the use and potential misuse of AI in education, these documents define the essential knowledge, skills, and values that educators and learners must master in the age of AI.

> AI competency framework for teachers

> AI competency framework for students

On 21 February, UNESCO celebrates International Mother Language Day to reaffirm its commitment to linguistic diversity and multilingualism. Linguistic diversity is increasingly at risk, as more languages disappear, and 40% of the global population lacks access to education in a language they speak or understand.

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UNESCO has elaborated diverse collection of podcasts that reflect its mission to build peace in the minds of men and women through education, science, culture and communication. These podcasts explore a wide range of topics, including Education for Sustainable Development; Media and Information Literacy; Leadership for Equality; etc. ​

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EUROPEAN COMMISSION

On 5 March 2025, the European Commission published its long-awaited Communication titled 'Union of Skills'. This document serves as a roadmap outlining key proposals to enhance high-quality education, training, and lifelong learning. It aims to raise levels of basic and advanced skills, provide opportunities for individuals to regularly update and acquire new skills, facilitate recruitment for businesses across the EU, and attract, develop, and retain top talent in Europe.

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On 11 February 2025, the European Commission published its Work Programme, outlining key priorities in competitiveness, digital transformation, and sustainability. The document addresses skills shortages through education, vocational education and training (VET), and AI-driven learning. Key objectives include reducing bureaucracy, strengthening social policies, and advancing both the green and digital transitions.

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On 19 December 2024, the European Commission published a report on European degree (label) projects. The report’s findings will inform future Erasmus+ initiatives, including the establishment of a European Degree Policy Lab and other related actions in 2025.

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EUROPEAN UNION (EU)

The INFINITE project is an EU funded project aiming to make the best use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for teaching, learning and assessment in Higher Education. The main objective is to prepare academics to use AI for innovative teaching and assessment, promoting students’ understanding of the interdisciplinary nature and implications of these emerging technologies. It also aims to help students to leverage AI for their learning, through a complementary course designed for them.

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The European Training Foundation (ETF) is an EU agency supporting EU neighbouring countries in reforming their education and training systems as part of EU’s external relations policies. The ETF is organising a webinar entitled ‘How to leverage innovation and socio-economic development by building effective skills ecosystems’ on 17 March from 10:00 to 11:30 (Paris time). 

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On 5 and 6 March, the Commission is organizing a conference entitled “Skills for a competitive Europe” in Brussels and online. Labour and skills shortages are increasing across Europe, while productivity continues to decline. The EU requires modern labour markets and skills, both to support individuals’ careers and prospects and to remain globally competitive. This event will tackle key issues at the intersection of employment, competencies, and social policies.

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The Artificial Intelligence Skills Alliance (ARISA) equips individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to understand and utilise AI tools in business and policy settings. ARISA brings together leading representative bodies from the Information and communication technology (ICT) sector, education and training providers, qualification regulatory authorities, and a broad range of industry stakeholders and social partners.

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EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT (EP)

The European Parliament (EP) recently published a study titled 'Academic Freedom in 2024: Key Findings and Policy Options'. This concise document examines the state of academic freedom across EU Member States, identifying key threats and legal protections. It offers insights and policy recommendations to safeguard academic freedom at both national and EU levels.

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On 11 February, the Intergroup on the Future of Education and Skills for a Competitive Europe was officially launched at the European Parliament (EP) in Strasbourg. Chaired by the Romanian Vice-President of the EP, Victor Negrescu, this Intergroup aims to enhance the quality, equity, and inclusiveness of education and training systems across Europe. This marks the first time an Intergroup on Education has been established at the EP.

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COUNCIL OF EUROPE (CoE)​​

To mark World NGO Day, the Council of Europe (CoE) is hosting a webinar on 28 February from 13:00 to 16:15 (Paris time), featuring guest speakers from civil society organisations and experts. The discussions will explore strategies for strengthening NGO sustainability, including building socially impactful organisations, increasing long-term impact, ensuring financial stability, and adapting to evolving societal needs.

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EUROPEAN ALLIANCE FOR APPRENTICESHIPS (EAFA)​​

On 16 January, the EAfA published its 2025 Action Plan to contribute to fostering high-quality apprenticeships in the EU and beyond. This document highlights innovation and cooperation as key factors in addressing the challenges of a rapidly evolving world.

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EUROPEAN CENTER FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF VOCATIONAL TRAINING (CEDEFOP)​​

On 1 and 2 April 2025, Cedefop and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) are co-hosting a symposium in Paris titled ‘New Fields for Apprenticeship’. The event will explore what constitutes a high-quality apprenticeship and will present research and case studies on the expansion of apprenticeships into new sectors.

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THE SHIFT PROJECT​​

The Shift Project is a think tank that aims to inform and influence the debate on energy transition in France and Europe. In cooperation with several partners, including Acteurs de la compétence, France's leading vocational training federation, the Shift Project has just published a report entitled ‘Training the workforce for the ecological transition’.

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EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP NETWORK EUROPE (ELNE)​​

As part of the Erasmus+ project ELNE, the FEDE is hosting a webinar titled ‘Collaborating for Better Training: Shared Perspectives on Leadership in Vocational Education and Training (VET)’, taking place on 18 March from 14:00 to 15:15 (Paris time). The webinar aims to enhance understanding of collaborative leadership in vocational training and highlight its key role in fostering personal development, professional success, and citizenship skills. 

​> Webinar’s concept note

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INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF UNIVERSITIES (IAU)

The IAU together with the Council of Europe is organising a conference entitled ‘Global Forum on Higher Education 2025: Renewal of the Democratic and Civic Mission’ on 3 and 4 June at Charles University in Prague. Democracy is in crisis throughout the world, with political developments threatening the democratic principles of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. Higher education, science, and research are faced with significant challenges. More than ever, schools and universities have an important role to play in the development and preservation of democratic societies. 

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In 2025, we continue to face significant environmental, social, and economic challenges. Higher education institutions play a pivotal role in preparing leaders to address these challenges effectively. In this context, the International Association of Universities (IAU) is hosting a webinar titled 'Learning from Practice: How Can We Better Embed Sustainability in Higher Education?' on 25 March, with two available sessions: from 09:00 to 10:00 and from 15:00 to 16:00 (Paris time). 

​> First session registration

​> Second session registration

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EUROPEAN FEDERATION OF EDUCATION EMPLOYERS (EFEE)​​

The EFEE is organising a seminar entitled ‘Promoting inclusion of persons with special needs in education’ on 22 and 23 May in Paris. Organised in the framework of the social dialogue project InclEdu4AllNeeds, this event aims to exchange good practices to ensure the full inclusion of people with special needs in the education system and education and employment policies.

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ELECTRONIC PLATFORM FOR ADULT LEARNING IN EUROPE (EPALE) ​​

Given the rapid changes in the labour market and the constant evolution of technologies, lifelong learning needs to be agile, responsive and accessible to all. Micro-credentials offer an innovative solution to meet the needs of an ever-changing workforce. EPALE recently published an interesting article entitled ‘Micro-credentials: towards flexible recognition of skills’.

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