From a local perspective to global impact – this will be the scope of Poland’s first international conference dedicated to microcredentials: Warsaw Microcredentials Summit 2025: Local Insight, Global Impact. Six thematic sessions, discussion panels, presentations, workshops, and experts from around the world – all coordinated by the Educational Research Institute – National Research Institute (IBE PIB).

The first such conference in Poland

Warsaw Microcredentials Summit 2025: Local Insight, Global Impact will take place on 25-26 June 2025 in Warsaw. Organised by the Educational Research Institute (IBE) with support from the European Funds for Social Development (FERS), this international conference is the first major event in Poland entirely devoted to microcredentials.

‘Many distinguished experts from around the world have accepted our invitation and will be coming to Warsaw to share their knowledge and experience in implementing microcredentials in their countries. They will also take a closer look at what we are creating at the Educational Research Institute – a unique hybrid microcredentials system, developed within the public domain yet open to collaboration with the commercial sector. Our project has attracted international interest from the beginning due to its scale and the comprehensive approach we have taken,’ says Michał Nowakowski, leader of the microcredentials project at the Educational Research Institute – National Research Institute.

Over the course of two days, participants will have the opportunity to attend keynote lectures, expert discussions, and workshops. The conference agenda is divided into six thematic blocks:

• public policies,
• the role of technology,
• operational standards,
• a new direction for higher education,
• the future of school education,
• labour market needs.

Thematic sessions will run concurrently across three different rooms. The event will also be partially livestreamed online.

‘While preparing a conference that brings together experts from around the world, we wanted to create more than just a series of presentations. We aim to invite participants into a dialogue, to encourage the exchange of experiences, and to collaboratively explore solutions – all within the modern and innovative setting of the Central House of Technology. We’ve designed a dynamic and contemporary visual and audio experience that blends the conference topics with elements of Warsaw’s identity. For the first time, the capital of Poland will host such a large gathering of microcredential specialists. We also decided to provide online access to the event for those who, for various reasons, may not be able to attend in person,’ says Katarzyna Mikulska-Kędzierska, key expert for the project “Microcredentials – A Pilot Project for Supporting Lifelong Learning”. 

Perspectives worth listening to

An important part of the conference will be a panel dedicated to the pilot phase of the IBE PIB microcredentials project. Representatives from various companies, organisations, and institutions involved in the pilot will have the opportunity to share their insights on the system that is being developed with their participation. Meanwhile, international guests will present how similar processes have been implemented in their countries. The opportunity to learn from one another’s experiences in this field will provide valuable lessons for the future.

‘The entities participating in the pilot of the microcredentials system in Poland provide a key source of insights and guidance for us as its creators, as well as for others working on this project, both nationally and internationally. They are the ones testing the solutions we are developing on an ongoing basis and assessing their practical application. Our project is unique – we are simultaneously designing elements of the system and testing them in various contexts and environments. I believe that the voices of the pilot participants will be among the most important at our conference,’ emphasises Martyna Leciejewicz, lead expert for the project “Microcredentials – A Pilot Project for Supporting Lifelong Learning”. 

Conference participants will also hear from the creators of the microcredentials system and the project leader, Michał Nowakowski. They will learn how operational standards are being developed, how the quality of microcredentials issued in Poland is ensured, and how the technological side of the initiative is being shaped, including the ongoing improvement of Odznaka+, a Polish application for issuing and collecting digital credentials.

The event will also feature representatives of Polish and international universities, technology companies, educational organisations, and the labour market.

‘Warsaw Microcredentials Summit is a forum for ideas, the exchange of experiences, and the search for inspiration. The opportunity to hear so many perspectives on modern education and the validation of skills in Poland, where a microcredentials system is currently being developed – one that is both unique and firmly grounded in the best global practices – is a rare occasion for anyone interested in this topic. For two days, Warsaw will become the capital of microcredentials. We encourage you to join us, whether in person or online,’ says Michał Nowakowski.

All updates about the conference, the programme, and information about the speakers can be found on the website: warsawsummit2025.pl.

The “Warsaw Microcredentials Summit 2025: Local Insight, Global Impact” conference is organised as part of the project “Microcredentials – A Pilot Project for Supporting Lifelong Learning,” funded by the European Funds for Social Development (FERS).