'Dialogues Unfolded'

In the face of recent developments across Europe, the importance of dialogue as a practical tool for fostering understanding, unity, and progress has become increasingly evident. We can all understand that with the continent grappling with a range of challenges, from political polarization and social unrest to economic uncertainties and geopolitical tensions, the need for open, inclusive, and constructive dialogue has never been more critical. One of the most pressing issues in Europe today is the rise of political polarization. As societies become more divided, dialogue emerges as a key mechanism for bridging gaps between opposing viewpoints. This means that European nations could foster a more cohesive and resilient society, if decided to encourage conversation that transcends ideological divides. This is particularly important as Europe navigates the complexities of migration, social integration, and the preservation of democratic values. The recent economic disruptions, before and ...

  At the recent conference organised by the European Association for the Education of Adults in Helsinki in June 2024, Isabell Kempf , Director of the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning , stressed that the social aspects of adult education should not be underestimated, but they often are. She continued that adult education offers opportunities for dialogue, which builds functioning democracies. This is why we as educators of people of all ages should remember to offer opportunities to engage in dialogue in the classroom. Our task is to prepare our learners to a world where dialogue skills help them to participate as family members and citizens. In the Erasmus+ DIAL project we have learned that even though many other soft skills such as communication or time management are given stress in adult education, dialogue skills are often neglected. Besides democratic participation and work skills, the other benefits of including dialogue in the learning experience is that it bring...