Education has long been a policy field in which differing principles and ideals intersect. Recent debates, such as those surrounding Australia’s prohibition on social media use by children under 16, illustrate the complexity of these discussions. Within this context, school education continues to play a vital role in equipping young people with the skills necessary to develop into responsible members of society.

At the same time, the current era of shifting geopolitics, increasing uncertainty, widening social inequalities, and the potential risks and power dynamics associated with emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence are having significant effects on the well-being, attitudes, and future prospects of schoolchildren. These developments raise important questions regarding the reassessment of school education. The symposium will consider whether more human-centred educational approaches can strengthen fundamental capacities such as confidence, resilience, and empathy, enabling students to bridge social divides and navigate periods of rapid societal change.

Jointly organised by the Japan Foundation and the Japanese-German Center Berlin, the symposium will present Japanese and German perspectives on innovative approaches to school education. Experts from both research and practice will discuss potential pathways for educational development and exchange examples of best practices. Topics will include addressing bullying in schools and supporting the integration of pupils with migrant backgrounds.

The event will take place from 10:00 to 12:30 (CET) and from 18:00 to 20:30 (JST), with participation available online via Zoom and in person at the OAG House/German Cultural Center in Akasaka, Tokyo. Conducted in German and Japanese with simultaneous interpretation, the symposium will contribute to dialogue and cooperation in the field of education, reinforcing international exchange and cultural diplomacy.

• https://jdzb.de/de/veranstaltungen/die-zukunft-der-bildung-sich-wandelnden-gesellschaften