Lifelong learning

Lifelong learning

Ensure inclusive, equitable quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all

Lifelong learning is essential for alleviating poverty and hunger, addressing the climate crisis, fostering peaceful societies, and shaping our future. This journey begins in early childhood, preparing individuals for a lifelong learning path that becomes increasingly important as we must upskill and reskill to adapt to a world in constant change. 

Despite efforts to achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4, a global learning crisis persists: 250 million children are out of school, adults lack basic literacy, and fewer than 5 percent of adults have access to learning opportunities. Recent summits, such as the 2022 Transforming Education Summit and the SDG Summit 2023, have underscored the urgent need for decisive action to ensure inclusive, equitable quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all. 

UNESCO and its Institute for Lifelong Learning are dedicated to enhancing the capacities of Member States to develop effective and inclusive lifelong learning policies and systems, in alignment with SDG 4. Their goal is to create comprehensive learning ecosystems that operate throughout life, in all settings, and benefit everyone. They achieve this by building capacity at local and national levels, strengthening partnerships, and providing valuable data and knowledge.

Discover UNESCO Learning City Awardees 2024

Ten cities were awarded the UNESCO Learning City Award 2024 for their outstanding achievements in promoting lifelong learning during the opening of the Sixth International Conference on Learning Cities held in December in Jubail, in Saudi Arabia.

Queretaro

I'm a lifelong learner

The right to education covers all ages: Join our campaign and tell everyone why you are a lifelong learner

By supporting our campaign, you are endorsing the view that the #RightToEducation pertains to all ages. Support the paradigm shift in learning and education systems to ensure people of all ages, from all backgrounds, can access the knowledge they need to lead decent lives. 

Videos

Publications

5th global report on adult learning and education: citizenship education: empowering adults for change
UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning
2022
UNESCO
0000381666
Making lifelong learning a reality: a handbook
UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning
2022
UNESCO
0000381857
CONFINTEA VII Marrakech Framework for Action: harnessing the transformational power of adult learning and education
UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning
International Conference on Adult Education
2022
UNESCO
0000382306
Right to lifelong learnging

More publications on lifelong learning