International conferences autumn 2024

During autumn 2024 the municipalities involved in the UP2-project got the opportunity to attend two international conferences: Learning Cities and OECD Local Development Forum 2024.

OECD Local Development Forum 2024: Building Bridges for the Future

The OECD Local Development Forum 2024, held on September 24-25 in Greater Copenhagen, brought together local development policymakers and practitioners from around the world. Representatives from the Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions (SALAR), School to Work (S2W), and the UP2-municipalities of Laxå and Västervik participated.

Key Highlights:

• Day 1 in Malmö: Featured lectures on cross-border collaboration and international experiences, followed by deep dive sessions on labor mobility, local leadership, and socio-economic impacts of infrastructure. Study tours included visits to the Øresund Bridge and Yalla Trappan, a social enterprise in Malmö.
• Day 2 in Copenhagen: Focused on green innovation and inclusion, with sessions on youth involvement in the just transition and addressing labor and skills shortages. Participants heard from young social entrepreneurs and explored strategies for connecting innovation with social and economic returns.

The forum emphasized the importance of collaboration and innovation in addressing global development challenges.

UBC Conference in Riga: The Future of Education

On October 23-24, 2024, the UBC Learning Cities Commission organized an education conference and study visit in Riga, Latvia. The aim was to bring together education experts and policymakers from various countries to share best practices and knowledge on current education themes such as school attendance, sustainable education, educational technologies, AI, STEAM education, effective student support, pathways to academic success, and the attractiveness of the teaching profession.

Participants and Presentations

Process leaders from 12 Swedish municipalities participated, including Mariestad, which presented its local project to increase attendance in primary schools. The conference featured keynote presentations, panel discussions, and workshops focusing on how education can help solve global and societal challenges.

Workshops and Study Visits

Workshops covered topics such as youth violence, sustainable development in education, the role of AI in the future of education, and STEAM education. Study visits were conducted at a preschool, a state gymnasium, and a vocational school to provide insight into Latvia’s education system.

Common Challenges and Solutions

The conference highlighted common challenges such as school dropouts and the transition to the labor market. Discussions focused on the need for tailored curricula, digital skills, career management, and pedagogical methods. The role of AI in education was emphasized as an important issue, with a need for guidelines for its use.

The conference demonstrated the importance of investing in education to promote social cohesion and economic growth.

UP2 Project: Tackling School Dropouts in Sweden

The UP2 project is led by the Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions (SALAR) in collaboration with 26 Swedish municipalities and support from the European Social Fund+.

The project aims to improve conditions for school authorities in Sweden to systematically prevent school dropouts and promote educational completion.

The goal is to identify and support young people at risk of dropping out or not completing their studies, and ensure top management and staff in participating organizations understand risk factors and preventive measures.

The project seeks sustainable changes, requiring involvement from both administrative leaders and elected officials.