By implementing the Mind the Missions project, our primary aim was to bolster the competencies of city staff in offering purposeful learning experiences for adult learners. We sought to position local entities as forward-thinking learning hubs, equipped with innovative tools for delivering training activities. Our goal was to inspire and empower adult learners to cultivate resilience and adaptability amidst evolving circumstances. Furthermore, we aimed to foster civic engagement and instil a sense of agency by aligning educational initiatives with the city's missions. Recognising the importance of digital transformation, we endeavoured to tailor educational provision accordingly and enhance staff training in dynamic and motivational teaching methodologies. Overall, our objective was to catalyse a transformative shift in adult education, ensuring its relevance and effectiveness in an ever-changing landscape.
Partner organisations identified that many city-based global networks are future-oriented and committed to climate issues, but don’t engage with adult education initiatives, at least not directly. This has helped us to identify the potential of intra-organisational learning to foster retraining and motivate lifelong learning. In this context, partner organisations recognised the necessity for collaboration between municipalities and experts in foresight, planning, and sustainability. Municipalities were identified as potential learning hubs, offering training aligned with EU city missions for smarter, carbon-neutral, and climate-resilient communities. The project has enhanced futures literacy, geodesign and project management competences in municipalities, addressing challenges in translating policy goals into fundable projects. Additionally, it has improved digital skills and has helped to foster transnational partnerships in Europe for innovative educational outcomes and has fostered more collaborative work and exchange of good practice between municipalities and other stakeholders.