The Nordic countries are faced with the twin challenges of improving competitiveness in a global economy while preserving the Nordic welfare model, a process in which human resources, and in particular life-long learning for all, will play a crucial role. The Nordic Network for Adult Learning is being launched at a conference today, Monday 4 April 2005, at the TUC School in Elsinore, Denmark.

The Danish Presidency of the Nordic Council of Ministers 2005 identifies the following tools for implementing the policy goal of life-long/adult learning:

• making it easier to recognise and evaluate the non-formal skills on courses
• skills enhancement and training on the job
• adult and further training – especially for those with limited formal education
• greater emphasis on reading

Conference speakers include Permanent Undersecretary Peter Høier of the Danish Ministry of Education; Director Villy Hovard Pedersen, the chair of the Steering Group for Adult Education; Senior Advisor Torild Nilsen Mohn of VOX, Norway; Director Eva Nordlund of the Swedish National Commission on Validation; Director General Hans–Inge Persson of the Swedish Agency for Flexible Learning; Co-ordinator Antra Carlsen of the Nordic Network for Adult Learning and Senior Advisor Margrete Hernes of the Nordic Council of Ministers.