The consequences of climate change are visible in many regions of the world. Large parts of humanity are affected by floods and drought. Hunger and an increasing number of conflicts as well as migration movements are among the consequences. What can adult learning and education (ALE) contribute to equip people with the necessary knowledge, skills and competencies to support sustainable development? What is the role of promoting resilience in dealing with the crises? 

On another level, however, education for sustainable development also addresses ethical problems and justice issues. How can ALE convey empathy and an awareness of global responsibility? How can it promote readiness for global solidarity?

Finally, the processes of change also raises questions about our understanding of democracy: How can we bring as many people as possible along in these processes? The pandemic has taught us a few things here, especially with regard to the risk of losing parts of the population, even where essential questions of life and death are at stake - but also with regard to the importance of education and dialogue. We must ask ourselves how we can empower the disadvantaged to effectively make their needs heard and resist populist temptations.