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Religious Education Specialists in Riga to Discuss Hope in Times of Global Crisis and Young People’s Well-being

© Toms Grīnbergs, 2020. © University of Latvia, 2020.

From 27 July to 1 August, Riga will host a major academic conference in the field of religious education — the International Seminar on Religious Education and Values (ISREV). For the first time, the seminar will take place in Latvia, thanks to successful collaboration between researchers from the University of Latvia, Daugavpils University, and the Liepāja Academy of Riga Technical University.

ISREV General Secretary, Professor Julian Stern (United Kingdom), emphasises that “we are delighted to meet in Latvia in 2025 to discuss various aspects of religious education in a country that has experienced upheaval and yet has become an open and academically strong nation.”

This year’s theme — “Religious Education in Turbulent Times: How Can We Foster Hope and the Well-being of Young People?” — addresses global issues such as political instability, ecological crisis, digital transformation, and cultural fragmentation. The theme is particularly relevant in today’s context. 

Key questions participants will explore include: 

  • How can religious and values education sustain hope in times of global crisis?
  • How can we foster the well-being and resilience of young people?
  • What is the role of education in promoting critical thinking, dialogue, and autonomy in the digital age? 

The programme will offer a broad range of content: plenary sessions, panel discussions, and symposiums covering current research and practical solutions in education. Internationally recognised experts will present, including:

  • Professor Mary Hess (USA)
  • Professor Gerdien Bertram-Troost (Netherlands)
  • Associate Professor Ole Andreas Kvamme (Norway)
  • Dr Kevin O’Grady (United Kingdom) Professor Manfred Pirner (Germany) 

In addition to the academic sessions, participants will enjoy a cultural programme, including visits to the National Library of Latvia, local museums, and Riga’s historic city centre. This year, the seminar brings together 78 scholars from 21 countries, representing a range of religious traditions and secular perspectives. As part of the seminar, participants will also visit Riga City Council, where they will meet with the Mayor of Riga, Viesturs Kleinbergs. 

Professor Laima Geikina, from the Faculty of Humanities at the University of Latvia, comments that “we are honoured to be working together to host such a globally significant conference in Riga. ISREV deliberately chose Riga for its historical richness, geographic accessibility, and the hospitality of the city. There is strength in collaboration, and it is key to Latvia’s success in addressing important issues of societal security and resilience”.

The conference is a research-focused and purpose-driven forum for invited participants who are recognised experts in their fields. The seminar continues ISREV’s tradition of promoting high-quality research in religious and values education across both state and private education systems. Special attention is given to supporting early-career researchers and encouraging international publications.

Further information is available on the conference website. 

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