The Fourth International Conference of the journal Scuola Democratica is devoted to examining the vital interplay between learning and democracy—two essential pillars for building societies that are just, inclusive, and sustainable. The theme Learning for Democracy/Democracy for Learning not only reaffirms the enduring significance of democratic values but also calls for their critical rethinking and their concrete realization in everyday educational and social practices. In a global landscape marked by democratic backsliding, widening inequalities, and accelerated digital transformation, it has become imperative to reconsider how education and democracy can be reconnected to cultivate conscious, critical, and actively engaged citizens. The Conference brings together Italian and international scholars and researchers in a broad, multidisciplinary conversation aimed at reimagining education and training as instruments of emancipation and as living practices of democratic citizenship—rooted in the present, yet responsibly oriented toward the future.

From 7 till 10 September 2026 the Community of Practice of CoVEs will gather in Graz, Austria, for the fifth edition of the Forum on Vocational Excellence. If you want to be part of this inspiring and energetic event full of sharing best practices, lessons learned and finding creative solutions by working together between VET providers, companies and governments, make sure to put these dates in your calendar. More information about this event will follow in early 2026. Keep an eye on the CoP CoVEs linkedin page and their website (below) for further announcements.

Across diverse cultural and socio-economic contexts, vocational education and training (VET) systems pursue a complex balance of aims.  While the economic aim of providing a skilled workforce for the labour market often dominates policy discourse, VET also serves important social aims. These aims, and the ways they are prioritized, are shaped by different political cultures, conflicting values and specific conceptions about education, work, and citizenship.

The 33rd VET & Culture meeting will provide an opportunity to examine from a comparative perspective, how social aims are understood and implemented in VET across different political and cultural contexts.

Call for papers open until 15 February 2026

The closing event of the Erasmus+ project Learning to Learn through Micro-Credentials in a Regional Setting (L2L MicroCred) will present the project results, further exploring possible implementation in the twinning regions. The project develops open-access micro-credentials to promote lifelong learning, employability and social inclusion. Launched in November 2024, the project brings together four partner universities – Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, University of Limerick, LUMSA University and Central Queensland University – in an international collaboration aimed at developing innovative, flexible and inclusive educational opportunities for adults in different regional contexts. The seminar will offer the opportunity to learn about and discuss the main results achieved during the project. The micro-credentials developed by the partner universities will be presented, together with the Learning Design Toolbox, a digital and operational guide for the design of short, inclusive training courses capable of fostering the involvement and motivation of adults in training. The program also includes a discussion on the possibilities of transferring, adapting and enhancing the results of the project in additional educational, professional and territorial contexts. Participation is free upon registration by filling out the following form: https://forms.gle/ADY2LbY1Aojijrj29

Die berufliche Bildung obliegt einer besonderen Verantwortung, da sie die demokratische Teilhabe stärkt, gerechte Chancen ermöglicht und die Menschen auf eine vernetzte Welt vorbereitet. Mit der BWP 2026 möchten wir zeigen, wie Berufsbildungswissenschaft Orientierung bietet, und zwar evidenzbasiert, praxisnah und dialogisch. Der Call for Papers ist offen bis 28. Februar 2026