Education as a Tool for Shaping Personal Resilience, National Social Capital, and a Culture of Peace

Ukrainian respondents primarily view education as a practical tool for adult life and employment, while almost unanimously recognising its social mission — from personal development to democracy. Schools are actively addressing the topic of war through lessons and meetings with veterans, and a culture of peace is associated with conflict management, critical thinking, and human rights. The use of AI is already fairly widespread, though it comes with noticeable risks. The teaching profession is rated low in terms of pay and societal influence, with the main challenges being low salaries and emotional burnout. The emotional state of respondents is lower than in several other countries, with only a small share reporting consistently positive emotions.

KEY FUNCTIONS OF EDUCATION

53% – preparation for an independent life

43% – knowledge and skills for employment

37% – access to/experience with modern technologies

ROLE OF EDUCATION IN LIFE

94% – education should prepare individuals for life in a rapidly changing world

EDUCATION PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE

42% – introducing students to different professions

36% – inviting guest speakers from various professions

29% – lessons/sessions on career choice

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND DIGITAL SKILLS

Use of AI:

25% – frequent

58% – occasional

14% – never

27% – schools teach safe and responsible use of AI

55% – AI ensures quick access to information and explanations

ROLE OF TEACHERS

26% – the profession is prestigious

26% – teachers receive fair pay

17% – teachers’ opinions are valued

13% – the state provides real support for teachers

CHALLENGES FACED BY TEACHERS

61% – low pay

37% – lack of respect

33% – emotional burnout

EDUCATION AND HUMAN CAPITAL

90% – knowledge and skills are the key to a person’s future

86% – a country’s development depends on the quality of education

90% – educational opportunities benefit society as a whole

89% – people with knowledge and skills are the driving force of the economy

ACCESS TO EDUCATION

42% – equal access to quality education

58% – social background does not determine success

58% – equal opportunities regardless of family income

87% – every child has a chance of success if they make an effort

CULTURE OF PEACE

47% – teaching peaceful conflict resolution

42% – it is important to understand the roots of conflicts

39% – peace is built on listening, understanding different perspectives, and critical thinking

EDUCATION’S ROLE IN BUILDING A CULTURE OF PEACE

43% – teaching peaceful conflict resolution

36% – teaching critical thinking

34% – human rights and responsibilities

EDUCATION OF THE FUTURE

54% – critical thinking and evaluating information

35% – generating new ideas and creativity

32% – effective teamwork

31% – less valued: confident use of digital technologies

EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING

36% – felt happy

35% – felt confident

24% – felt motivated

20% – felt bored

16% – felt anxious

OVERALL WELL-BEING

12% – felt active and energetic

10% – woke up feeling fresh and rested

10% – a life full of experiences

METHODOLOGY

Special research “Education as a Tool for Shaping Personal Resilience, National Social Capital, and a Culture of Peace”, 14 countries, online survey, July–August 2025, national sample — 410 respondents.

British respondents view education as a tool for “growing up” and becoming independent, with top priorities being preparation for a successful adult life, gaining knowledge and skills for employment, and developing teamwork. There is broad consensus on the social mission of education: personal development, democratic values, empathy, and readiness for a rapidly changing world. Schools are actively engaged in career guidance and are also integrating AI: most students already use it, and in schools, discussions often focus on safe use, ethics, and the impact of AI on future careers. The status of teachers is viewed as moderate, with key challenges including workload and fatigue, pay, and a lack of respect or support. In terms of the “culture of peace”, the emphasis is on peaceful conflict resolution, critical thinking, empathy, and student participation in collaborative initiatives. The emotional climate is relatively stable, with high levels of happiness and confidence and lower levels of persistent anxiety.

KEY FUNCTIONS OF EDUCATION

45% – preparation for an independent life

46% – knowledge and skills for employment

24% – розвиток умінь спілкування і співпраці

8% – lowest priority: fostering civic and democratic values

ROLE OF EDUCATION IN LIFE

93% – education should prepare individuals for life in a rapidly changing world

EDUCATION PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE

51% – helping students understand the skills needed for various careers

49% – career counselling by a psychologist/adviser

43% – identifying one’s strengths

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND DIGITAL SKILLS

19% – frequent use of AI

42% – schools teach safe and responsible use of AI

41% – AI ensures quick access to information and explanations

ROLE OF TEACHERS

71% – the profession is prestigious

62% – teachers receive fair pay

74% – teachers’ opinions are valued

60% – the state provides real support for teachers

CHALLENGES FACED BY TEACHERS

39% – high workload and fatigue

36% – lack of respect

32% – low pay

EDUCATION AND HUMAN CAPITAL

95% – knowledge and skills are the key to a person’s future

92% – a country’s development depends on the quality of education

94% – educational opportunities benefit society as a whole

92% – people with knowledge and skills are the driving force of the economy

ACCESS TO EDUCATION

70% – equal access to quality education

64% – social background does not determine success

73% – equal opportunities regardless of family income

85% – every child has a chance of success if they make an effort

CULTURE OF PEACE

61% – teaching peaceful conflict resolution

53% – peace is built on listening, understanding different perspectives, and critical thinking

50% – discussing international examples of peace

EDUCATION’S ROLE IN BUILDING A CULTURE OF PEACE

47% – developing empathy, tolerance, and respect

44% – teaching peaceful conflict resolution

41% – teaching human rights and responsibility

EDUCATION OF THE FUTURE

37% – effective collaboration with others

37% – критичне мислення та оцінка інформації

36% – чітке й переконливе спілкування

23% – less valued: confident use of digital technologies

EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING

60% – felt happy

54% – felt confident

54% – felt motivated

24% – felt bored

24% – felt anxious

OVERALL WELL-BEING

33% – calm and relaxation

29% – woke up feeling fresh and rested

29% – a life full of experiences

METHODOLOGY

Special research “Education as a Tool for Shaping Personal Resilience, National Social Capital, and a Culture of Peace”, 14 countries, online survey, July–August 2025, national sample — 405 respondents.

Lithuanian education is perceived as a combination of practical preparation for employment and life, and the shaping of values such as peaceful coexistence, critical thinking, and responsibility. AI here is seen both as an opportunity — providing quick access to knowledge — and as a risk, potentially reducing independent thinking. Evaluations of teachers’ status and support for teachers are generally moderate, with key challenges including workload, resources, and pay. Schools are notably active in career guidance, introducing students to different professions and inviting guest speakers, though systematic education on the safe use of AI is not yet widespread.

KEY FUNCTIONS OF EDUCATION

55% – preparation for an independent life

38% – knowledge and skills for employment

36% – developing communication and teamwork

11% – lowest priority: environmental responsibility equal access to opportunities

ROLE OF EDUCATION IN LIFE

93% – education should prepare individuals for life in a rapidly changing world

EDUCATION PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE

47% – introducing students to different professions

40% – inviting guest speakers from various professions

31% – helping students understand the skills needed for various careers

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND DIGITAL SKILLS

23% – frequent use of AI

30% – schools teach safe and responsible use of AI

57% – students are taught to verify the accuracy of information at least occasionally

50% – AI ensures quick access to information and explanations

ROLE OF TEACHERS

32% – the profession is prestigious

37% – teachers receive fair pay

39% – teachers’ opinions are valued

41% – the state provides real support for teachers

CHALLENGES FACED BY TEACHERS

42% – shortage of textbooks and modern equipment

42% – high workload and fatigue

40% – low pay

EDUCATION AND HUMAN CAPITAL

90% – knowledge and skills are the key to a person’s future

86% – a country’s development depends on the quality of education

92% – educational opportunities benefit society as a whole

85% – people with knowledge and skills are the driving force of the economy

ACCESS TO EDUCATION

66% – equal access to quality education

66% – social background does not determine success

33% – equal opportunities regardless of family income

82% – every child has a chance of success if they make an effort

CULTURE OF PEACE

67% – teaching peaceful conflict resolution

53% – peace is built on listening, understanding different perspectives, and critical thinking

52% – it is important to understand the roots of conflicts, not just “who the enemy is”

EDUCATION’S ROLE IN BUILDING A CULTURE OF PEACE

45% – recognising propaganda and hate speech

42% – teaching critical thinking

37% – teaching peaceful conflict resolution

EDUCATION OF THE FUTURE

49 % – critical thinking and evaluating information

35% – generating new ideas and creativity

34% – effective collaboration with others

23% – less valued: confident use of digital technologies

EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING

42% – felt happy

38% – felt confident

25% – felt motivated

20% – felt bored

13% – felt anxious

OVERALL WELL-BEING

21% – calm and relaxation

20% – woke up feeling fresh and rested

19% – felt active and energetic

METHODOLOGY

Special research “Education as a Tool for Shaping Personal Resilience, National Social Capital, and a Culture of Peace”, 14 countries, online survey, July–August 2025, national sample — 401 respondents.

Estonian respondents emphasise “growing up” through education: preparation for independent living, practical skills for employment, and teamwork. There is a strong consensus on the social mission of education — personal development, democracy, empathy, and readiness for rapid change. Schools are notably active in career guidance (particularly through guest lectures and exposure to different professions) and are gradually integrating AI: around three-quarters already use it; within schools, discussions most often focus on safe use, ethics, and how it works. The status and working conditions of teachers are rated moderately, with the main challenges being workload, pay, and burnout. In their understanding of a “culture of peace”, the emphasis is on peaceful conflict resolution, empathy, and critical thinking. The emotional background reflects fairly high levels of stable happiness and confidence, with low persistent anxiety.

KEY FUNCTIONS OF EDUCATION

55% – preparation for an independent life

38% – knowledge and skills for employment

36% – developing communication and teamwork

ROLE OF EDUCATION IN LIFE

95% – education should prepare individuals for life in a rapidly changing world

94% – education is essential for personal development

93% – schools should foster empathy and tolerance

88% – education is essential for democracy

EDUCATION PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE

48% – inviting guest speakers from various professions

43% – introducing students to different professions

37% – career guidance tests/questionnaires

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND DIGITAL SKILLS

77% – use AI (frequently or occasionally)

71% – teaching how to verify the accuracy of information

33% – discussing how AI works

45% – AI ensures quick access to information and explanations

51% – Concern: “Reduces motivation to think independently”

ROLE OF TEACHERS

51% – the profession is prestigious

41% – teachers receive fair pay

44% – teachers’ opinions are valued

40% – the state provides real support for teachers

CHALLENGES FACED BY TEACHERS

57% – high workload and fatigue

40% – low pay

39% – emotional burnout

EDUCATION AND HUMAN CAPITAL

92% – knowledge and skills are the key to a person’s future

90% – educational opportunities benefit society as a whole

88% – a country’s development depends on the quality of education

88% – people with knowledge and skills are the driving force of the economy

ACCESS TO EDUCATION

84% – every child has a chance of success if they make an effort

68% – equal opportunities regardless of family income

61% – social background does not determine success

59% – equal access to quality education

CULTURE OF PEACE

56% – teaching peaceful conflict resolution

41% – peace is built on listening, understanding different perspectives, and critical thinking

33% – discussing global examples of peacebuilding

EDUCATION’S ROLE IN BUILDING A CULTURE OF PEACE

46% – teaching peaceful conflict resolution

36% – developing empathy, tolerance, and respect

35% – teaching critical thinking

EDUCATION OF THE FUTURE

42% – critical thinking and evaluating information

42% – stress resilience and the ability to recover

30% – self-awareness and respect for others

17% – less valued: confident use of digital technologies

EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING

45% – felt happy

42% – felt confident

36% – felt motivated

16% – felt bored

11% – felt anxious

OVERALL WELL-BEING

17% – calm and relaxation

16% – woke up feeling fresh and rested

16% – felt active and energetic

METHODOLOGY

Special research “Education as a Tool for Shaping Personal Resilience, National Social Capital, and a Culture of Peace”, 14 countries, online survey, July–August 2025, national sample — 401 respondents.

Danish respondents combine both a “practical” and “values-based” perspective: alongside preparation for employment, they place high importance on lifelong learning and mutual respect. Schools work with AI in a moderate but systematic way: most participants already use it, and educational practices often include discussions on how AI works, as well as its safety and ethics. The teaching profession is viewed rather positively in terms of pay, though key challenges include a lack of respect, heavy workloads, and emotional burnout. For Danes, a culture of peace is primarily associated with non-violent conflict resolution, empathy, and critical thinking. Indicators of stable positive states — such as calmness, joy, and energy — range from moderate to relatively high.

KEY FUNCTIONS OF EDUCATION

33% – knowledge and skills for employment

32% – lifelong learning

30% – respect for oneself and others

ROLE OF EDUCATION IN LIFE

90% – schools should foster empathy and tolerance

88% – education should prepare individuals for life in a rapidly changing world

86% – education is essential for personal development

81% – education is essential for democracy

EDUCATION PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE

47% – introducing students to different professions

39% – explaining the skills required for various careers

31% – support in identifying one’s strengths

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND DIGITAL SKILLS

76% – use AI (frequently or occasionally)

74% – teaching how to verify the accuracy of information

38% – discussing how AI works

46% – AI ensures quick access to information and explanations

ROLE OF TEACHERS

66% – teachers receive fair pay

56% – teachers’ opinions are valued

56% – the state provides real support for teachers

58% – the profession is prestigious

CHALLENGES FACED BY TEACHERS

37% – lack of respect

30% – high workload and fatigue

26% – low pay

EDUCATION AND HUMAN CAPITAL

85% – educational opportunities benefit society as a whole

88% – a country’s development depends on the quality of education

78% – knowledge and skills are the key to a person’s future

77% – people with knowledge and skills are the driving force of the economy

ACCESS TO EDUCATION

78% – every child has a chance of success if they make an effort

75% – equal access to quality education

72% – equal opportunities regardless of family income

51% – social background does not determine success

CULTURE OF PEACE

68% – teaching peaceful conflict resolution

48% – peace is built on listening, understanding different perspectives, and critical thinking

46% – discussing global examples of peacebuilding

EDUCATION’S ROLE IN BUILDING A CULTURE OF PEACE

40% – developing empathy, tolerance, and respect

31% – teaching peaceful conflict resolution

27% – teaching critical thinking

EDUCATION OF THE FUTURE

38% – effective collaboration with others

35% – self-awareness and respect for others

33% – critical thinking and evaluating information

20% – less valued: confident use of digital technologies

EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING

42% – felt happy

38% – felt confident

25% – felt motivated

20% – felt bored

13% – felt anxious

OVERALL WELL-BEING

21% – calm and relaxation

20% – woke up feeling fresh and rested

19% – felt active and energetic

METHODOLOGY

Special research “Education as a Tool for Shaping Personal Resilience, National Social Capital, and a Culture of Peace”, 14 countries, online survey, July–August 2025, national sample — 402 respondents.

Austrian respondents perceive education both as a practical tool for adult life and as an environment for shaping values. The priority is preparation for independence and employment, along with respect for oneself and others. The vast majority agree with the social mission of schools – fostering empathy and civic responsibility, equal access, and the contribution of education to personal and economic development are supported by high percentages. The use of AI is already widespread (with frequent or occasional users making up around 80%), and in school practice there are noticeable discussions about how AI works, as well as its safety and ethics. At the same time, the associated risks are evident – above all, a decline in independent thinking. The teaching profession is generally viewed positively (in terms of prestige, pay, and state support), yet the key “on-the-ground” challenges include a lack of respect, high workloads, and emotional burnout. The overall emotional tone is rather moderate, with only a small proportion of respondents reporting consistently strong positive states.

KEY FUNCTIONS OF EDUCATION

34% – preparation for an independent life

27% – knowledge and skills for employment

24% – fostering self-respect and respect for others

ROLE OF EDUCATION IN LIFE

89% – preparation for an independent life

EDUCATION PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE

43% – support in identifying one’s strengths

40% – introducing students to different professions

40% – lessons/sessions on career choice

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND DIGITAL SKILLS

19% – use of AI (frequent)

61% – use of AI (occasional)

16% – use of AI  (never)

35% – discuss how AI works

45% – AI ensures quick access to information and explanations

ROLE OF TEACHERS

73% – the profession is prestigious

74% – teachers receive fair pay

70% – teachers’ opinions are valued

73% – the state provides real support for teachers

CHALLENGES FACED BY TEACHERS

35% – lack of respect

28% – emotional burnout

27% – high workload and fatigue

EDUCATION AND HUMAN CAPITAL

88% – educational opportunities benefit society as a whole

85% – people with knowledge and skills are the driving force of the economy

84% – knowledge and skills are the key to a person’s future

82% – a country’s development depends on the quality of education

ACCESS TO EDUCATION

85% – every child has a chance of success if they make an effort

72% – equal access to quality education

64% – social background does not determine success

72% – equal opportunities regardless of family income

CULTURE OF PEACE

59% – teaching peaceful conflict resolution

52% – schools should discuss global examples of mutual understanding

49% – peace is built on listening, understanding different perspectives, and critical thinking

EDUCATION’S ROLE IN BUILDING A CULTURE OF PEACE

35% – developing empathy, tolerance, and respect

26% – joint student activities (projects, volunteering, exchanges)

24% – teaching about human rights and responsibilities

EDUCATION OF THE FUTURE

35% – critical thinking and evaluating information

35% – self-awareness and respect for others

30% – effective collaboration with others

23% – Less valued: confident use of digital technologies

EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING

55% – felt happy

46% – felt confident

38% – felt motivated

29% – felt bored

15% – felt anxious

OVERALL WELL-BEING

29% – joy and uplift

28% – calm and relaxation

27% – life filled with interesting activities

METHODOLOGY

Special research “Education as a Tool for Shaping Personal Resilience, National Social Capital, and a Culture of Peace”, 14 countries, online survey, July–August 2025, national sample — 402 respondents.