International Scientific and Educational Conference Explores the Future of Education and Skills at FuturEDU 2023

EKA University of Applied Sciences hosted the "FuturEDU 2023" International Scientific and Educational Conference from November 8 to November 9, 2023, in Riga, Latvia. The event was organized by request of and in cooperation with the European Digital Learning Network (Dlearn), Italy.

The international event brought together leading experts, educators, and stakeholders to discuss and shape the future of education and skills in the digital age.

FuturEDU 2023 commenced with a Welcome Drink for presenters and panel discussion participants on the evening of November 8, setting the stage for two days of insightful discussions and presentations.

The main agenda of the conference on November 9, 2023, featured a diverse range of sessions and discussions, and it took place at the premises of EKA University of Applied Sciences.

The conference began with the Opening Ceremony and Plenary Session. Notable speakers at the Opening Ceremony included Jelena Titko, Vice-Rector for Science and International Cooperation at EKA University of Applied Sciences, Gianluca Coppola, President of the European Digital Learning Network (Italy), Anatolii Kutsevol, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to the Republic of Latvia, and Sharon Rappaport-Palgi, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Israel to the Republic of Latvia.

The Plenary Session featured discussions on the future of digital skills and jobs, with a shared reflection on the future of workplaces, led by Gianluca Coppola, President of Dlearn.

A panel discussion titled "Digitalization of Education as a Response to the Needs of Students and Teachers in Europe" followed. The session delved into digital skill gaps in the Baltics with a particular focus on the needs of Ukrainian refugees in the Member States. Participants included representatives from Dlearn, EKA University of Applied Sciences, the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA), ISMA University of Applied Sciences, and the Ukrainian community in Latvia.

After a brief coffee break, the conference continued with parallel sessions. One session focused on "Digital Solutions for Education," moderated by EKA program director Edgars Čerkovskis. The session started with the presentation of Jevgenija Dehtjare, EKA Scientific Institution Head of Development, dedicated to digital education in the context of the national digital strategy. Then the experts shared insights on various topics related to digital education, including digital strategies, networking intelligence, virtual assistants, and the use of AI in education.

Simultaneously, another session titled "Inclusiveness and Diversity of Education", moderated by Diana Perštein-Lapkis, New Door Social Entrepreneurship Foundation member of the board, featured presentations and expert discussions on the integration of diverse study environments, social responsibility, and psychological support for students.

The day we concluded with the FuturEDU Dinner at the "Locale" restaurant in the Old Town, bringing together panel discussion speakers, session presenters, and experts for further networking and collaboration opportunities.

FuturEDU 2023 provided a platform for thought-provoking discussions, knowledge sharing, and networking among education professionals, fostering innovation and collaboration to shape the future of education and skills. The conference left participants inspired and equipped with valuable insights to navigate the evolving educational landscape.

This event contributed substantially to the growth and development of EKA University of Applied Sciences and, in particular, the EKA Scientific Institution′s research potential in various ways: research collaboration, enhanced visibility, knowledge transfer, international perspective, strategic insights, etc.

EKA Scientific Institution