On 25–26 June 2025, the international conference DisCo 2025 – Empowering Futures: Leveraging Digital Technologies in Education for Youth, Women, and Vulnerable Groups was held in Prague at the Microsoft premises. Organised by the Centre for Higher Education Studies in collaboration with the University of West Bohemia, the event convened academics, policy experts, and educators from across Europe to explore the evolving digital landscape in education.
This edition of DisCo provided a high-level platform for dialogue on how AI, microlearning, and personalised digital tools can contribute to greater inclusion, access, and quality in education. With over 30 presentations and two keynote speeches, the conference reflected a multidisciplinary approach to equity and innovation in teaching and learning.
The Polytechnic University of Timișoara discussed the potential of MOOC platforms and microlearning for upskilling young people and reducing the digital divide. Furthermore, emphasis was placed on the potential of AI to redefine equity within lifelong learning ecosystems.
Participants explored a variety of themes including data literacy, inclusive design, generative AI in classrooms, and gamification for student wellbeing. Special attention was given to marginalised groups, such as women over 60 and students with specific learning disabilities, highlighting how digital transformation can meet diverse learning needs.
The programme also featured hands-on workshops such as Empowering Educators with AI and Exploring Plausible Futures for Digital Education, alongside poster sessions and a social networking event on the Vltava River.
Prioritising the empowerment of youth, women, and other vulnerable groups is crucial to secure a sustainable and prosperous future. Challenges such as youth unemployment, gender inequality and unequal opportunities persist, demanding targeted solutions. (Plan of Action 2024-2026)
By combining visionary thinking with practical insight, DisCo 2025 reaffirmed its role as a strategic space for cooperation, innovation, and future-oriented policymaking in the field of digital education.
For more info: radovanovic@cei.int; www.disconference.eu
