Twenty years ago, the C3L – Centre for Lifelong Learning at the University of Oldenburg – was founded. Since then, it has been synonymous with academically sound, practice-oriented and socially relevant further education throughout all stages of life. Acting as an interface between the university, the world of work and society, the C3L designs learning programmes that empower people, help organisations develop and foster skills for the future.

This autumn, we will be celebrating our 20th anniversary with a varied programme and numerous event highlights.

The celebrations will kick off with our festive anniversary event , ‘The Future Begins with Education’, on 15 September 2026 from 5.30 pm at hallig hanken (August-Hanken-Str. 24, 26125 Oldenburg)

Programme

5.30 pm: Arrival and welcome drink ‘

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6.00–6.45 pm: Welcome address by Prof. Dr Olaf Zawacki-Richter, Executive Director of C3L

Remarks by

• Prof. Dr Ralph Bruder, President of the University of Oldenburg
• Jürgen Krogmann, Lord Mayor of Oldenburg
• Falko Mohrs, Lower Saxony’s Minister for Science and Culture
  

6.45–7.15 pm: Keynote address by Kai Gondlach, futurologist and author

Kai Gondlach is one of the first academic futurologists in the DACH region and founder of the Leipzig-based Institute for Future Studies and Strategic Consulting, PROFORE. He is co-editor of the Springer bestseller *The World of Work and AI 2030* as well as other books, and works as a member of the academic futures studies community within the framework of UNESCO and the Club of Rome on the implementation of overarching future scenarios and strategies. In his keynote speeches, he encourages the audience to critically examine trends and fads, and motivates them to actively shape their own futures.

7.15–7.45 pm: Panel discussion with:

• Vera Weidemann, Head of Human Resources at EWE AG
• Heiko Kroon, Head of Human Resources at Oldenburg Hospital
• Prof. Dr Anke Hanft, Founder of C3L – Centre for Lifelong Learning
• TBC

moderated by Prof. Dr Klaus Fichter (Executive Board, C3L)

From approx. 7.45 pm: Networking & buffet

In an era of profound change, characterised by digitalisation, artificial intelligence, new learning formats and evolving demands, we would like to explore together how teaching and learning are evolving and what our vision is for the future of further education.In a world that is changing faster than ever before, lifelong learning is no longer a luxury – it is a prerequisite for social participation, professional success and personal development. For 20 years, C3L has been supporting people at every stage of life, empowering them to shape change and opening up new perspectives.

Who is this event aimed at?

The event is aimed at decision-makers from academia and politics, continuing education institutions, teachers, HR managers in companies, innovators and other interested parties.

Our partners and sponsors