Shaping the Future of Education: Insights from the EDutu Forum Open Event
How can education prepare young people for the challenges of tomorrow? This question was at the heart of the annual EDutu Forum, organised by the Faculty of Education at the University of Turku, Finland, on 29 September 2026. Under the theme “The Future of Learning – From Visions to Practice,” the event brought together education professionals and stakeholders to discuss the future of teacher education, basic education and the skills young people will need in a rapidly changing world.
From educational visions to everyday practice
The forum opened with the EduDevelop fair, where visitors explored ongoing projects and initiatives within the Faculty of Education. The programme continued with presentations and a panel discussion focusing on long-term visions for Finnish education, including Teacher Education 2050 and Basic Education 2045: Life Skills for Life.
A central message emerged throughout the discussions: educational visions must go beyond strategies and documents to become meaningful changes in everyday practice. Supporting teachers in continuously learning, adapting and developing their skills is essential to responding to the challenges of a changing world.
The speakers also highlighted the importance of strengthening young people’s confidence in the future and equipping them with the skills they need to navigate uncertainty and make informed decisions.
Artificial intelligence and the changing learning environment
The growing role of artificial intelligence in education was another important topic. Participants emphasised the need for a balanced approach that recognises both the opportunities and the risks associated with AI. While young people and educators need to learn how to work with emerging technologies, digital innovation should not come at the expense of fundamental skills. The discussion also underlined the importance of continuous learning for teachers and school leaders, ensuring that educational practices evolve alongside technological and societal developments.
Connecting educational innovation with SAFETeen
These discussions resonate with the objectives of the SAFETeen project, which promotes road safety education for teenagers through innovative, engaging and technology-supported learning approaches. By combining a virtual reality (VR) educational tool, an Emergency Aid application and a Pedagogical Handbook, SAFETeen supports learning experiences that help young people better understand road risks, recognise potentially dangerous situations and develop safer behaviours.
Preparing teenagers for the future involves more than introducing new technologies into the classroom. It also means helping them develop critical thinking, practical decision-making and the confidence to respond responsibly to real-life challenges.
Building a safer future through education
The EDutu Forum concluded with a shared aspiration: strengthening young people’s confidence in the future. Participants highlighted the importance of continuous learning, effective educational leadership and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances. For SAFETeen, these priorities reinforce the importance of empowering teenagers with the knowledge, skills and awareness they need to make safer choices on the road. By bringing education and innovation together, we can help young people become more confident, informed and responsible participants in everyday life.