On April 9, 2025, the EPALE and Erasmus+ Conference 2024 titled "Artificial intelligence meets adult education: Promoting innovation, strengthening competences" took place at the Wiener Urania in Vienna.

The conference was an inspiring event that welcomed around 100 participants into the fascinating world of artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on adult education. Two major anniversaries were celebrated during the event: 10 years of EPALE and 25 years of the European programme for adult education. As part of the European “Union of Skills” initiative, the conference focused on promoting competences in the field of artificial intelligence. Discussions explored the role adult education should play in the dynamic world of AI. Experts from academia and practice shared valuable insights into current developments and projects, showing how AI can transform learning processes and reduce barriers. Participants had the opportunity to engage in interactive idea and networking pools and to discover innovative Erasmus+ projects.

Carin Dániel Ramírez-Schiller (OeAD) spoke about two significant anniversaries: 10 years of EPALE and 25 years of the European programme for adult education.

The keynotes provided a thematic introduction to the topic "Artificial intelligence meets adult education: Promoting innovation, strengthening competences":

• "Not just another tool – why adult education needs to take an active stance on AI" - Birgit Aschemann, Institute CONEDU
• “AI and Adult Literacy – some examples from Ireland” – Scott Wilson, Adult Educator, Tipperary Education and Training Board

The idea and networking pools focused on the following topics and projects:

• Erasmus+ “AI.D: Artificial Intelligence and the Shaping of Democracy” – Alessandra Santoianni, Democracy Centre Vienna 
• Exchange of experience and discussion: Artificial intelligence for easy language, inclusion and accessibility - Johanna Ilkow and Christina Pichler, Lebensgroß GmbH 
• Erasmus+ "AI4AL: Awareness and Transfer of AI in Adult Education’ – Claudia Benassi-Faltys, SVEB Swiss Association for Continuing Education
• Erasmus+ AI in Adult Education and Self-Learning – Mark Reinhard, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz

In addition, there was the opportunity to get to know the following projects and initiatives during a marketplace and to obtain information:

• Arge Bildungshäuser, Bildungshaus Retzhof GmbH and SPES GmbH 
• ALFATelefon, B!LL Institut für Bildungsentwicklung Linz 
• Bundesinstitut für Erwachsenenbildung 
• Erasmus+ projects EULEP and EntreComp4Transition, WIFI International 
• Erasmus+ project AI in Adult Education and Self-Learning, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz
• Lebensgroß GmbH
• Ö-Cert - Qualitätsrahmen für die Erwachsenenbildung in Österreich 
• Geschäftsstelle Digitale Kompetenzen, OeAD
• Koordinierungsstelle für den NQR, OeAD

In the Erasmus+ Corner, participants were able to learn how adult educators and adult learners can acquire new skills and knowledge through mobility within the Erasmus+ framework.

The conference provided a multifaceted platform to gain new perspectives, network, and jointly discuss ideas for the future of European adult education.

→ To the conference photo gallery

→ To the program

→ Learn more about 10 years of EPALE

_{Please register on EPALE to access the presentations (PDFs).}

_{© OeAD/APA-Fotoservice/Hörmandinger}