Call for Contributions:
EBSN Annual Conference 2025
The Conference Programme Committee is pleased to invite proposals for contributions to the Annual Conference of EBSN, scheduled for June 18–20, 2025, in Brussels, Belgium.
The European Basic Skills Network (EBSN) is delighted to invite proposals for its Annual Conference, which will be held in Brussels, Belgium, from June 18th to 20th, 2025. This year’s conference will centre on gaining a deeper understanding of the implications of the OECD PIAAC survey data, with a particular focus on how low levels of basic skills exacerbate inequalities in society.
The recently released PIAAC 2023 survey results present a stark warning: literacy and numeracy levels are declining in many European countries. Approximately one in five adults across Europe are considered low performers in literacy and numeracy, with even greater challenges in digital competencies. In most countries, the literacy proficiency of the lowest-performing 10% of the population has declined, with similar declines in numeracy.
These findings highlight the widening inequalities in access to education, quality employment, welfare and well-being. Adults with low basic skills are at higher risk of poverty and disproportionately excluded from opportunities to:
- Pursue lifelong learning and vocational training, perpetuating cycles of low educational attainment.
- Secure quality jobs, leaving them vulnerable to unstable employment and income inequality.
- Leverage technology effectively, reinforcing the digital divide.
- Maintain health and well-being, as poor health literacy impedes access to healthcare and informed decision-making.
The survey underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive re-evaluation of how countries support the development of basic and transversal skills as foundational skills. Addressing these challenges requires urgent and coordinated actions.
The EBSN and EAEA joint statement on the PIAAC results emphasizes the need for stronger European and national initiatives to tackle these skill gaps. In particular, the statement highlights:
- The importance of expanding inclusive adult learning opportunities to address disparities.
- The need for collaborative policymaking, integrating adult basic skills development into broader frameworks such as employment, health, and digital transformation policies.
- A renewed commitment to the goals of the Council Recommendation on Upskilling Pathways, which calls for targeted support to help adults acquire basic skills and progress towards higher qualifications.
Building on these recommendations, the EBSN Annual Conference 2025 will provide a platform for exploring how evidence from PIAAC can inform actionable strategies at European and national levels to combat inequalities and foster inclusive societies.
Call for Contributions
We invite policymakers, experts, researchers, and practitioners to submit proposals addressing the conference theme, with a focus on the following sub-themes:
1.
PIAAC 2023 Insights
Analysing the implications of the latest survey results for adult basic skills policies. This sub-theme also calls for presenting post-PIAAC initiatives, revisions to existing action plans, proposals for new strategies, and critical queries for further research and in-depth analyses.
2.
Policy innovations
Proposing forward-thinking strategies to reduce inequalities through adult basic skills development. Contributions may include approaches to better utilize data insights, leverage emerging learning technologies, and design inclusive policies that address diverse societal needs.
3.
National, regional, local policy initiatives and action plans
Examining the alignment and synergies between EU-level initiatives, such as the Upskilling Pathways Recommendation, and strategies implemented at national, regional, and local levels. Contributions may highlight best practices, collaborative frameworks, and innovative approaches to vertical policy integration and implementation.
4.
Embedding basic skills in broader frameworks
Exploring the integration of literacy, numeracy, and digital skills into wider policy domains, including employment, health, sustainability, and social cohesion. Contributions may focus on how basic skills can act as enablers for achieving broader societal goals and addressing cross-sector challenges.
5.
Inclusive strategies for vulnerable groups
Addressing barriers faced by migrants, unemployed adults, and older workers through targeted approaches considering psychological, social, and financial challenges. Contributions may explore the design and implementation of effective incentives to motivate participation, ensuring that learning opportunities provide tangible benefits such as improved quality of life, enhanced career prospects, higher income and better family support.
6.
Innovative guidance and teaching practices
Highlighting new approaches to adult basic skills education and skill-building that incorporate guidance, skills assessment, and customized or tailored learning pathways. Contributions may explore the use of innovative methodologies, tools, and technologies to track learners’ progress and enhance learning outcomes, as well as strategies for validating acquired skills, including the effective use of microcredentials to recognize and certify learning achievements.
7.
Cross-Sector Collaboration
Showcasing partnerships that bridge education, employment, economic and social policies to create comprehensive solutions for adult basic skills development. Contributions may explore collaborative approaches to enhance awareness-raising and outreach efforts, ensuring that potential learners are well-informed, encouraged and incentivised to participate. This focus emphasizes the role of cross-sector partnerships in fostering inclusive opportunities, aligning resources, and addressing the diverse needs of learners across different societal contexts.
Submission Guidelines
- Abstract length: Abstracts must not exceed 400 words, clearly outlining the proposed contribution’s purpose, methodology, key findings, and conclusions.
- Discussion focus: Contributions for parallel sessions are expected to encourage discussion. Proposals should include specific discussion points to engage participants.
- Policy relevance: All contributions should highlight the implications of the presented topics for policy recommendations at local, regional, national, or European levels.
- Thematic alignment: Submissions must align with one or more of the conference themes and meet the quality criteria outlined.
- Language: Proposals must be submitted in English by filling in the online template.
The Program Committee will evaluate submissions based on their originality, relevance to the conference themes, clarity of objectives, and potential to foster meaningful discussions and actionable insights. Authors will be notified of acceptance by mid-April 2025.
Contribution formats
- Plenary session contribution (15 minutes + Q&A): A high-level presentation delivered to the entire audience, focusing on broad, impactful topics or groundbreaking insights relevant to the conference’s central theme.
- Parallel Session Contribution (15 minutes + discussion): A workshop-style presentation designed to explore specific topics in depth. Contributions should provide actionable insights, highlight implications for transferability and scalability, formulate questions and actively engage participants in discussions that feed into statements and policy recommendations.
- Marketplace Exhibition (interactive or digital formats): An opportunity to showcase innovative projects, tools, or methods in an engaging and hands-on format. Participants can interact with the material or technology presented, fostering informal discussions and knowledge sharing.
Co-Creational workshop
To conclude the conference, we will host a co-creational workshop aimed at gathering insights and ideas on how to formulate adequate and forward-looking responses to the challenges presented, especially possible responses to the implications of the PIAAC Survey. This session is designed to help participants consolidate their personal takeaways and contribute to a collective action-oriented framework. To enhance the impact of this workshop, we ask applicants to design their plenary and parallel session contributions with the following in mind:
- Summarizing insights: Prepare to present key insights, conclusions, and recommendations for broader applications.
- Action-oriented design: Structure your presentation to stimulate forward-thinking discussions and practical takeaways.
- Active participation: All contributors are expected to participate actively in the co-creative session, which is the last major session of the programme, ensuring a collaborative and enriching conclusion to the conference. This approach aims to foster shared learning, actionable outcomes, and meaningful connections among participants.
Important Notes
- Proposals must be submitted by March 10, 2025. Monday, 24:00h CET.
- Priority may be given to submissions from EBSN member organizations.
- Presenters are responsible for their own travel and accommodation costs.
- Accepted presenters must pay the conference fee, with discounts for non-member contributors.
Join us in Brussels to explore actionable solutions to Europe’s basic skills challenges. Together, let’s shape policies and practices that address inequalities and create opportunities for all
For further inquiries, please contact us at secretariat@basicskills.eu.