20th Pascal Observatory Conference

Invitation to the 20th Pascal Observatory Conference

in collaboration with the Municipality of the City of Pécs, PIMA, ASEM LLL (Network 6), IACEHOF WG6  & EPALE Hungary and PEACE.

Flourishing Learning City Ecosystems for Creative Circular Economies

Date: 24–25 September 2026.

Venue: Pécs, Hungary

Further information and registration: here.

Standard fee 
Pascal Member - 250 EUR
Others - 300 EUR
PhD Students - 130 EUR

Late Registration (1st July 2026 - 20th August 2026)
Pascal Member - 300 EUR
Others - 350 EUR
PhD Students - 150 EUR

About the event

As cities around the world strive to become more innovative, sustainable, and socially and economically flourishing, the concept of the Learning City has emerged as a powerful framework for transformation. This conference invites scholars, practitioners, policymakers, and community leaders to explore how lifelong learning, sustainability, creativity, and well-being intersect to shape vibrant urban ecosystems.

Held in the heart of the historic and culturally significant city of Pécs, during its celebrated Learning Cities Festival, this two-day event will feature 1.5 days of conference sessions and a half-day of immersive engagement with local learning city initiatives in the city centre.

The sub-themes will call for submissions on the sub-themes below. All contributors will have the opportunity to submit a development of their paper to a special issue.

Call for Papers in Parallel Themes
We welcome contributions from academic and city-region experts which address one or more of the following interconnected sub-themes:

1. Societal Benefits of Community-led and Intergenerational Lifelong Learning (LLL)
How do community-driven learning initiatives foster inclusion, equity, and social cohesion?
How do community-driven learning initiatives foster innovation in support of sustainable and circular practices?
What role does intergenerational learning play in building resilient communities?

2. Education for Sustainable Development (ESD)
How can learning cities embed sustainability into formal, non-formal, and informal education?
What are effective models for integrating ESD into urban planning and policy?

3. Economic & Digital Innovation in Learning Cities (w/ Work-Based Learning Implications)
How do digital tools and platforms support lifelong learning and workforce development?
What are the implications of AI, automation, and digital transformation for urban learning ecosystems?

4. Full ‘STEAM’ Ahead: Putting the Arts in STEM
How can integrating the arts into STEM education foster creativity and innovation in cities?
What role do cultural institutions and creative industries play in learning cities?

5. Well-being & Flourishing in Learning City Spaces
How do learning cities promote mental health, well-being, and human flourishing? What role do creativity and innovation play in promoting health and wellbeing?
What are the links between learning, happiness, and quality of life in urban environments?

We invite proposals for:

• Academic papers/presentations
• Symposia
• Workshops
• Rountables
• Posters (with Lightening Talks)

• City-region presentations

   

Dates of importance:

24th May 2026
Submission of Abstracts

30th June 2026
Final Acceptance of Abstracts

20th August 2026
Final Date for Registration

1st September 2026
Full Paper Submission (optional)