Kaunas, Lithuania – The largest education forum in Lithuania, “Švietimo kodas” (Education Code), concluded today, drawing a record-breaking attendance of approximately 3,000 participants. The annual event, now in its third year, has solidified its position as a crucial platform for dialogue surrounding the future of education in the Baltic nation and beyond. This year’s forum, a collaborative effort between the news portal Lrytas, Vytautas Magnus University (VDU), the Ministry of Education, Science and Sport (ŠMSM), and the organization “Švietimas numeris vienas” (Education is Number One), focused on key themes ranging from educational policy and leadership to innovation and emotional wellbeing.
The forum wasn’t simply a gathering; it was a concentrated hub of ideas, featuring over 150 speakers, more than 60 presentations and discussions, and nearly 40 educational and innovative exhibitor stands spread across three distinct spaces. Participants included educators, policymakers, scientists, business leaders, foreign experts, psychologists, public figures, and security specialists, all contributing to a multifaceted conversation about the challenges and opportunities facing the education system. The event underscored a growing national focus on not only addressing current shortcomings but also proactively shaping a more effective and resilient educational landscape for Lithuania’s future.
“Švietimo kodas” provided a space for diverse perspectives on the future of education, acknowledging present-day challenges while identifying opportunities for progress. According to Lina Kaminskienė, Chancellor of the VDU Education Academy, Lithuania is poised to attract increasing attention from other countries interested in its educational experiences and solutions. As reported by Vytautas Magnus University, Kaminskienė believes Lithuania’s approach to education holds valuable lessons for the international community.
Five Key Themes Driving the Discussion
This year’s forum was structured around five core thematic areas, each explored through a series of presentations and panel discussions. These included “Proveržis” (Breakthrough), focusing on accelerating progress in education; “Lyderystė” (Leadership), examining the role of leadership in driving educational change; “Inovacijos” (Innovations), exploring how future competencies are being integrated into current educational practices; “Patirties galia” (The Power of Experience), emphasizing the importance of peer-to-peer learning and knowledge sharing; and “Emocinis atsparumas” (Emotional Resilience), addressing the critical need to support the emotional wellbeing of students and educators alike.
Within these themes, specific questions guided the conversations. The “Proveržis” track asked, “What can we do today to make things better tomorrow?” “Lyderystė” explored how ideas transform into direction when leaders converge. “Inovacijos” focused on translating future skills into present-day realities. “Patirties galia” prompted participants to reflect on what they learned from their colleagues, and “Emocinis atsparumas” tackled how to build resilience and prevent burnout. This structured approach allowed for a deep dive into the most pressing issues facing the Lithuanian education system.
A Hub for Innovation and Practical Solutions
Beyond the discussions, “Švietimo kodas” featured an extensive exhibition area showcasing a wide range of educational tools, technologies, and services. According to Lrytas.lt, nearly 40 educational and innovative stands were present, offering attendees the opportunity to interact with the latest advancements in the field. This hands-on experience allowed participants to not only learn about new solutions but also to test them and establish valuable connections with the companies and organizations behind them.
The forum’s partners included prominent organizations such as “Saulės” private gymnasium, “Vedliai,” “Maxima,” “Telia,” and the “Devbridge Foundation.” Additional partners included the Ministry of Economy and Innovation, “Ignitis,” “Robotikos akademija” (Robotics Academy), the National Education Agency, “EPSON,” “C&C,” “Omnisend,” and numerous other educational institutions and businesses. This broad coalition of support underscores the widespread recognition of the importance of investing in education and fostering innovation within the sector.
Looking Ahead: The “Lietuvos mokytojas” Awards
The conclusion of “Švietimo kodas” is immediately followed by the sixth annual “Lietuvos mokytojas” (Lithuanian Teacher) awards, organized by Lrytas. This event will recognize outstanding educators across 18 different categories, with winners receiving a substantial prize package from various partners and sponsors. The awards ceremony serves as a powerful acknowledgment of the dedication and expertise of Lithuania’s teachers, further reinforcing the commitment to elevating the profession and attracting top talent to the field.
The forum’s success highlights a growing national conversation about the need for continuous improvement and innovation in education. By bringing together a diverse range of stakeholders, “Švietimo kodas” has created a dynamic platform for collaboration and the development of practical solutions to the challenges facing the Lithuanian education system. The discussions and insights generated at the forum are expected to inform policy decisions and drive positive change in the years to come.
The next key date to watch is April, when recordings of the forum’s discussions and presentations will be made available on the Lrytas portal, extending the reach of the event’s valuable content to a wider audience. This continued accessibility will ensure that the momentum generated at “Švietimo kodas” continues to drive progress and inspire innovation in education throughout Lithuania.
Key Takeaways:
- “Švietimo kodas” 2026 drew a record 3,000 attendees, solidifying its position as Lithuania’s premier education forum.
- The forum focused on five key themes: Breakthrough, Leadership, Innovation, The Power of Experience, and Emotional Resilience.
- A significant exhibition area showcased the latest educational tools and technologies, fostering collaboration between educators and innovators.
- The event is followed by the “Lietuvos mokytojas” awards, recognizing outstanding educators across the country.
- Recordings of the forum’s sessions will be available on the Lrytas portal in April, extending the reach of its insights.
The “Švietimo kodas” forum represents a significant investment in the future of Lithuanian education. As the country continues to navigate the evolving landscape of learning, events like these will be crucial in fostering innovation, collaboration, and a shared commitment to providing all students with the opportunity to succeed. We encourage readers to share their thoughts on the key themes discussed at the forum and how they might impact the future of education in Lithuania and beyond.