On 22 October 2026, DVV International in collaboration with the European Training Foundation (ETF), organized a regional webinar entitled "Local Level Active Role in Fostering Adult Learning and Education" within the framework of the Governance Learning, Action and Dialogues (GLAD) network. The event brought together 82 policymakers, local authorities’ representatives, adult learning providers, experts and practitioners to discuss the crucial role that local actors play in strengthening adult learning and education (ALE) systems.
The webinar focused on the opportunities and obstacles that local governments and adult learning providers encounter when promoting and implementing adult learning initiatives. Participants reflected on the factors that encourage local engagement in ALE as well as the barriers that continue to limit its development. Common challenges and successful practices from Kosovo, Moldova, North Macedonia and Ukraine were discussed, highlighting the importance of local leadership, strong governance, effective partnerships and community-based approaches – all published in the country fact sheets This factsheet was developed in 2025 by the European Training Foundation (ETF) as part of a mapping exercise of adult learning (AL) in the following EU candidate countries and potential candidate: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo*, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia and Ukraine.
The first session was moderated by Maja Avramovska (Regional Director, DVV International). Prof. (H) Dr. Heribert Hinzen (DVV International expert, UIL Honorary Fellow) and Lisa Rustico (ETF expert) presented key insights from recent studies conducted by ETF and DVV International (the links for the discussed documents are attached below).
The webinar's central discussion explored what can be done at local level to support adult learning. Moderated by Nicolas Jonas (ETF), the session featured national ALE practitioners and experts Silvia Proțiuc (Moldova), Biljana Mojsovska Manojlova (North Macedonia), Snizhana Leu-Severynenko (Ukraine) and Vullnet Gusia (Kosovo). The speakers shared their experiences in developing local initiatives, engaging communities and creating opportunities for adult learners.
The event also highlighted recent publications devoted to local dimensions of adult learning and education, including the DVV International publication "Local Policies and Practices in Adult Learning and Education: Best Practices from Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Kosovo, Moldova and Ukraine" and the expert paper "Adult Learning and Education as a Responsibility of Local Authorities". These publications provided valuable evidence and examples demonstrating the importance of local governance in building inclusive and responsive adult learning systems.
The webinar concluded with an open discussion among participants and closing reflections from Lisa Rustico and Prof. (H) Dr. Heribert Hinzen. Participants agreed that local authorities play a vital role in bringing holistic learning opportunities closer to citizens and ensuring that adult learning is accessible and responds to local needs. Strengthening cooperation between national and local stakeholders, education providers and communities remains essential for creating inclusive and sustainable adult learning systems.
The publications discussed during the webinar could be accessed via the following links:
ETF country fact sheets and thematic publications on adult learning and education:
Adult Learning Systems and Governance
DVV International publications and expert papers:
DVV International: Expert and Position Papers
Adult Learning and Education as a Responsibility of Local Authorities