Brussels · 5–7 November 2025

Uniting for a Brighter Future

Three days. Five venues.

A global community united around one clear mission: plain language for everyone

By Michelle Waitzman

Conference Organiser, PLAIN

PLAIN collaborated with Clarity International and four prestigious institutions — the European Commission, European Parliament, Belgian Government, and Judicial Training Institute. A testament to the belief that we are stronger when we work together.

Plain language is no longer a nice-to-have. It’s now an integral part of legislation, culture, and communication research — and Brussels proved it.

Plain language is not only about writing — it is also about system change.

Angelika Vaasa · Closing remarks, Day 3

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Days of events
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Venues across Brussels
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Nations represented
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Partner organisations

Day 1 · 5 November 2025

Translating Europe Forum & Judicial Training Institute

European Commission · Charlemagne Building

Clear Language @ TEF · ISO · Neuroscience · Legislation · Awards

Day 1 summary

A world where plain language is the norm is a better world for everyone

The Brussels Plain Language Experience opened at the Translating Europe Forum, where Julie Clement and Lodewijk van Noort set the tone for three days of bold, collaborative thinking. Standing alongside teams from Clarity International, the European Commission, and the Judicial Training Institute, they reminded every delegate in the room why this work matters: plain language connects us across borders, cultures and disciplines.

Sessions ranged from the neuroscience of how our brains process clarity to an urgent panel on plain language legislation in an unsteady world — including the threatened repeal of New Zealand’s Plain Language Act and the disappearance of plainlanguage.gov in the United States. A sobering reminder that progress is hard-won and never guaranteed.

The day closed with a celebration of this year’s PLAIN Award winners — inspiring advocates from Brazil, Ireland, and Spain whose work is transforming communication at every level of society.

Lodewijk van Noort delivers the opening keynote — "Plain language is a global responsibility"

Day 1 Highlights

Opening — “Plain language is a global responsibility”

Julie Clement and Lodewijk van Noort opened the conference by reflecting on why this community matters. Julie shared that attending her first plain language conference was the moment she found “her people” — a sentiment that echoed throughout all three days. Lodewijk set the mission: a world where plain language is the norm is a better world for everyone.

Plain language in an unsteady world

A sobering and important session at the Judicial Training Institute. Panelists examined New Zealand’s government attempts to repeal the country’s Plain Language Act, and the quiet disappearance of plainlanguage.gov — a widely used American resource hub. The message was clear: progress is hard-won and should never be taken for granted.

Neuroscience, ISO & the law

Sessions at the Judicial Training Institute explored how our brains actually process — or struggle with — unclear language, what the research tells us about plain language’s cognitive impact, and how ISO standards and national legislation are beginning to codify what practitioners have known for decades. One speaker described the shift as a “cultural change,” not just a writing technique.

We do not only improve texts, we improve lives.

Lodewijk van Noort, PLAIN President

PLAIN Awards 2025

Heloisa holding award — best of the ceremony shots

Heloisa Fischer – Brazil

Heloisa created the Comunica Simples Method — Brazil’s first structured plain language teaching methodology, now used by government agencies, universities, and private organisations. She has trained thousands of professionals, co-founded the Brazilian Plain Language Network, served on the PLAIN board, and is actively shaping national policy.

NALA – Ireland

Ireland’s National Adult Literacy Agency has expanded access to plain language through online platforms, e-learning tools, and free resources for learners, educators, and organisations. Their free phone tutoring service, media campaigns, and blended learning approaches have helped thousands — showing how plain language removes barriers and supports real participation.

Antonio Martín Fernández – Spain

Antonio’s tireless advocacy has supported PLAIN ambassadors across the globe. He co-created Radar — a free Spanish-language weekly newsletter championing clear communication since 2023 — and has consistently given his time, energy and expertise to strengthen the international plain language community.

Gael Spivak · Ingrid Olsson

Gael Spivak (Canada) has helped shape international standards through her ISO work and expanded access to the plain language standard in more than 30 languages. Ingrid Olsson (Sweden) has spent over two decades guiding hundreds of public agencies in applying national plain language policy, and has built tools, training, and professional networks that continue to grow.

The plenary chamber of the European Parliament — home to a historic day for clear language

Day 2 summary

A landmark day for clear language in European democracy

Day 2 brought the global plain language community into the heart of European democracy. Director-General Valter Marvič opened with a moving speech — “Language is the bridge between institutions and citizens” — before making an announcement that drew applause from the room: his directorate is to be renamed the Directorate-General for Translation and Clear Language.

The afternoon featured a dedicated panel to celebrate the launch of Part 2 of the ISO plain language standard for legal writing — once an almost unimaginable achievement, now a milestone to build on. Breakout sessions explored global activity, democracy, justice, EU institutions, and the future of ISO standards.

European Ombudsman Teresa Anjinho brought the day to a close with a powerful reminder: “The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.” The evening celebrated Dutch and Flemish culture at Vlaams-Nederlands Huis deBuren — language appreciation, performance, and connection.

Day 2 Highlights

A landmark day for clear language in European democracy

Valter Marvič opened the day by recognising decades of work by PLAIN and Clarity International — communities that have “helped transform plain language from a niche idea into a recognised discipline, now supported by ISO standards and international cooperation.” He then announced the renaming of his directorate as a milestone for the whole movement.

His directorate will be renamed: Directorate-General for Translation and Clear Language

A landmark day for clear language in European democracy

Valter Marvič opened the day by recognising decades of work by PLAIN and Clarity International — communities that have “helped transform plain language from a niche idea into a recognised discipline, now supported by ISO standards and international cooperation.” He then announced the renaming of his directorate as a milestone for the whole movement.

His directorate will be renamed: Directorate-General for Translation and Clear Language

A full house in the European Parliament chamber

Plain language practitioners from across the world took their seats in the chamber of European democracy. The symbolism was deliberate: this is where laws are made, and clear language is how those laws can actually reach the people they serve.

ISO plain language standard for legal writing

A dedicated panel celebrated the launch of Part 2 of the ISO plain language standard — focused specifically on legal writing. Panelists discussed the long road to this once unimaginable achievement and what it means for courts, governments, and legal professionals who must now consider clarity not as optional, but as a standard.

The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.

— Teresa Anjinho, European Ombudsman · closing statement, Day 2

Global activity · Democracy · Justice · EU · ISO

Day 3 · 7 November 2025

Belgian Government

WTC III · Brussels

Ethics · Community · Design · AI · Accessibility · ISO · Closing

Day 3 summary

Community, ethics and the commitments we carry forward

Farida Barki opened the final day with warmth and lightness, inviting everyone to pause and notice what had resonated most strongly over the previous two days — and to bring that awareness into this last, more reflective stretch.

Neil James delivered a thoughtful keynote on ethical persuasion, drawing connections between classical rhetoric and modern behavioural science. He reminded the room that clarity and ethics are inseparable: persuasion only becomes ethical when it protects a reader’s autonomy, offers transparency, and allows real choice.

Later, Julie Clement and Lodewijk van Noort offered a heartfelt moment of connection — speaking openly about community, gratitude and belonging. “Community is not a bonus,” they told the room. “It’s the backbone of our practice.” Michelle Waitzman and Karen E. Jaques brought the conference to a gentle and uplifting close, celebrating the commitment everyone had shown to making communication more human.

Farida Barki opens the final day

Day 3 Highlights

“Plain language is one of the safest ways to persuade responsibly.”

Neil James drew on classical rhetoric and modern behavioural science to show how persuasion is part of everyday communication — but only becomes ethical when it protects a reader’s autonomy, offers transparency, and allows real choice. He contrasted manipulative techniques with approaches that build genuine trust, demonstrating how structure, tone, logic and empathy help people act without feeling pressured.

“This was our day to connect the dots.”

Farida Barki opened the final day with warmth and lightness. She reminded everyone that Day 3 was meant to be more reflective and more personal — a chance, after two days of deep content, to pause and notice what had resonated most. She invited participants to bring that awareness into the rest of the day and the commitments they would carry home.

“Thank you for your curiosity, courage and heart.”

Michelle Waitzman and Karen E. Jaques guided everyone through final reflections — asking participants to consider what they were taking home and how those insights would shape their work, organisations, and communities. They acknowledged the emotional journey of all three days: the learning, the inspiration, the connections made, and the inevitable fatigue. Their closing words reminded us: the conference didn’t end in that room.

When we speak clearly, we make democracy stronger.

European Parliament theme, Day 2

Community is not a bonus. It’s the backbone of our practice.

Julie Clement & Lodewijk van Noort, Day 3

Community is not a bonus. It’s the backbone of our practice.

Julie Clement & Lodewijk van Noort, Day 3

Never give up… but don’t be desperate.

Raf Van Ransbeek

Find your people.

— Nadja Green

Find your people.

— Nadja Green

Watch Brussels 2025

Find selected talks and keynotes from the European Commission and PLAIN on the conference playlist.

What an incredible journey. Three days, five remarkable venues, countless conversations, bold ideas, and a community united around one clear mission. Soon we’ll float down from our “pink cloud” — but what a moment this was. Our profound thanks to Michelle, who turned a dream into reality with calm, determined leadership.

Lodewijk van Noort

PLAIN President

Sincere gratitude for making Brussels 2025 possible

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