Brussels, 13/03/2008 (Agence Europe) - The idea that learning ends with the simple awarding of a certificate is now irredeemably obsolete. Demographic changes, the increase in retirement age; and a society characterised by technology and organisations in constant evolution make life-long learning indispensable. On 10-11 March, the Slovenian Presidency in Brdo organised a conference on the theme of universities and life-long learning. The latter is both fundamental for the implementation of the knowledge society and an integral part of the Lisbon strategy and Bologna process. At this event, the Slovenian minister of higher education, scientific research and technology, Mojca Kucler Dolinar, stated: “When we speak about lifelong learning as a 21st century educational approach, we often forget that lifelong learning is not a separate process conducted in parallel to formal education; lifelong learning must be acknowledged and incorporated into formal education”. The conference aims to provide official recognition of these skills and knowledge in terms of qualifications that would encourage Europeans to never stop learning. It is necessary that higher education institutions propose training programmes for the whole public and all economic sectors, not just for traditional student intake. Participants also emphasised that these programmes also need to be given the same recognition as those in formal education. (I.L.)