June 4-5, under the heading “Education for Sustainable Democratic Societies: the Role of Teachers”, the 23rd session of the Standing Conference of European Ministers of Education was an opportunity to discuss these issues and consider the role of education and, more specifically, teachers, in finding common, viable and effective solutions to the challenges facing European societies at present, such as the increasing diversity of our societies.

The conference took place in Ljubljana, Slovenia, and was organised in co-operation with the Slovenian Ministry of Education and Sport. It brought together high officials and representatives from the Council of Europe and it's 47 member states. The EWC participated as an observer.
View list of participants.

The main theme “Education for Sustainable Democratic Societies: the Role of Teachers” was divided into three strands:

• Teacher competences for diverse democratic societies
• Social recognition and professional development
• Partnerships and networks in education
  

Ms Maud de Boer-Buquicchio, Deputy Secretary General of the Council of Europe opened the conference. View the opening speech.

At their meeting in Ljubljana, the Ministers of Education of the 50 states parties to the European Cultural Convention were able to draw on the discussions at the conference to devise strategies for education and teacher training policies and thereby give direction to future Council of Europe action. Declaration on the conference theme.

For further documents and information, please view the conference website.