Leeuwarden, The Netherlands – February 2026

From February 9th to 11th, 2026, educators gathered at NHL Stenden University in Leeuwarden for the impactful Short Advanced Programme (SAP) “From Disagreement to Dialogue — Strengthening Democracy and Trust.” Delivered in English and combining one hour of online preparation with three days of face-to-face training, the programme offered participants both academic recognition and practical tools to bring democratic values into their classrooms.

At a time when democratic principles across Europe are increasingly under pressure, the programme placed education at the centre of sustaining and renewing democratic life. With rising polarisation and deepening divisions, the initiative highlighted the crucial role that schools and teachers play in fostering dialogue, mutual understanding, and trust in democratic institutions.

Rooted in core European values — including freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law, and human rights — the SAP encouraged participants to explore how education can actively promote freedom of speech while countering extreme opinions and social fragmentation. Rather than focusing solely on theory, the programme emphasised practical application through interactive workshops, participatory methods, and collaborative learning experiences.

Throughout the three-day training, educators engaged in intercultural dialogue and developed critical thinking skills, reflecting on their role as facilitators of democratic citizenship. A key objective was to move beyond simply teaching values, empowering participants to translate principles into concrete actions that support social justice and active participation.

One of the programme’s defining features was its focus on transforming disagreement into constructive dialogue. Teachers learned strategies to guide students in navigating differences respectfully, fostering inclusive classroom environments where diverse perspectives can be expressed and understood.

By the end of the programme, participants left with renewed motivation and a ready-to-implement project plan aimed at promoting democratic participation and social innovation within their own educational contexts. The SAP ultimately reinforced the idea that education is not only a space for knowledge acquisition, but also a powerful driver for building more inclusive, fair, and resilient democratic societies.