We are thrilled to invite you to join the European Parents' Association (EPA) in Brussels on May 23rd, 2025, for our landmark 40th Anniversary International Conference. This prestigious event, hosted at the European Economic and Social Committee with the honor of welcoming distinguished guests, will bring together key stakeholders to reflect on the past, address present challenges, and collaboratively shape the future of our societies.
Date: 23 May 2025
Location: European Economic and Social Committee VMA building: Rue Van Maerlant/Van Maerlantstraat 2, 1040 Brussels
Contact: epa40@europarents.eu | Phone: +32 476 037539
Access is subject to a security check at the entrance. Only registered persons will receive a pass and be admitted to the event.
Brussels National Airport Zaventem:
Charleroi Airport:
For more information on reaching the EESC: EESC Directions
THE INFINITE GAME: PREPARING CHILDREN FOR AN UNKNOWN FUTURE is an inspiring feature length social impact documentary exploring solutions that exist across the world that are helping children prepare for an uncertain future. The film follows three exceptional children on the threshold of adolescence, through their resilience, courage along with the visionary educators who are working to support children in a world where global warming and unrest are the new normal.
Discover practical solutions that are helping children to flourish. Who has found answers to helping children to thrive in the 21st century? What can stop the ever increasing epidemic of mental health problems? What countries are doing it well, where did they get their inspiration and what lessons can we take forward?
Who are these children, what do they think about growing up in a world of social and economic unrest? What issues are they facing? Told from the perspectives of the children as well as the educators and futurists who are striving to find ways to reconcile past practices with a vision for a positive future. Discover three very diverse schools that are implementing innovative approaches to provide an education for a new era.
The Issues
There are alarming increases in children experiencing anxiety, stress & depression with suicide being the largest cause of deaths of 15 – 24 year olds. The current concepts of well-being and the model of education are not serving our children or their future. Combined with children’s addiction to technology, it has resulted in parents, educators & students feeling bewildered and dis-empowered.
The film is designed to powerfully counteract this through in-depth accounts of examples of countries and schooling systems that are successfully supporting the well-being and resilience of children, along with real life stories of children and families struggling to create a better future. It highlights that we all have a responsibility to act in making children’s well-being a priority and that every action, however small, is critical.
https://creativeintelligence.org.au/the-infinite-game-film/
The Film's Awards and Recognition
· Winner: IFIP International Forums of Inclusion Practitioners 2024 Global Inclusion Award
· Winner: Global Summit ISR Individual Social Responsibility Leadership - "Youth Empowerment Award” Jane Hanckel
· Excellence Award ‘Creativity in Education’: UNESCO/OECD/Global Institute for Creativity in Education Paris 2024 Summit
· Shortlisted 'Best Documentary Feature': Helsinki International Education Film Festival
Jane Hanckel is a visionary educator, author, and advocate for child wellbeing, with over two decades of experience creating programs that nurture resilience and conscious living. She has worked extensively in communities to promote sustainable education and mental health support for young people. Jane brings a deep commitment to empowering future generations through innovative, heart-centered approaches to learning and development. Jane is director and producer of the multi-award winning The Infinite Game film.
Gwang-Chol Chang, Chief of Education Policy Section at UNESCO, will deliver a compelling keynote speech addressing the global challenges and opportunities in education.
Two dynamic panel discussions featuring distinguished representatives from international organizations, policymakers, as well as educators, parents, and students themselves:
Explore the evolution of parental involvement in education, examining past challenges, celebrating achievements, and highlighting the ongoing need for strong parent-school partnerships in a rapidly changing educational landscape. This panel will delve into how parent engagement can support not only academic achievement but also the holistic development of children.
Address contemporary challenges, including mental health, future skills, the impact of digital technologies like AI, and the teacher shortage crisis. It will explore how parents can become active co-creators of their children's world and contribute to shaping policies that support families and communities. This discussion will focus on the systemic changes needed to address the root causes of these challenges, emphasizing the importance of investing in education and family support to build a more resilient and equitable future.
Connect with fellow attendees during coffee breaks and a celebratory lunch cocktail following the conference.
A press conference will be held at the conclusion of the event, providing an opportunity to share key takeaways and amplify the important messages emerging from the conference.
This is a pivotal moment to reflect on the power of parental engagement and to forge a shared vision for the future of education and beyond – the future of united and resilient societies, made up of balanced, healthy, and well-rounded individuals who live their full potential. We invite you to be a part of this important conversation.
EPA believes that by prioritizing the well-being of children and families, and by fostering strong partnerships between parents, educators, and policymakers, we can build a Europe where all individuals have the opportunity to thrive.
We encourage you to visit this page regularly for updates.
For sponsorship opportunities or media inquiries, please contact epa40@europarents.eu.
Connect with fellow attendees during coffee breaks and a celebratory lunch cocktail following the conference.
A press conference will be held at the conclusion of the event, providing an opportunity to share key takeaways and amplify the important messages emerging from the conference.
This is a pivotal moment to reflect on the power of parental engagement and to forge a shared vision for the future of education and beyond – the future of united and resilient societies, made up of balanced, healthy, and well-rounded individuals who live their full potential. We invite you to be a part of this important conversation.
EPA believes that by prioritizing the well-being of children and families, and by fostering strong partnerships between parents, educators, and policymakers, we can build a Europe where all individuals have the opportunity to thrive.
We encourage you to visit this page regularly for updates.
For sponsorship opportunities or media inquiries, please contact epa40@europarents.eu.
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