Lifelong learning

Lifelong learning is a key principle for educational reform and a strategic response to emerging national, regional and global socio-economic challenges in UNESCO Member States.

Lifelong learning is rooted in the integration of learning and living, encompassing learning activities for people of all ages, in all life-wide contexts (i.e. family, school, the community and the workplace) and through a variety of modalities (formal, non-formal and informal). Systems that recognize prior learning acquired in contexts other than formal education go hand-in-hand with lifelong learning policies and strategies.

UIL advocates for a holistic approach to lifelong learning, and supports the development and implementation of systems that foster effective lifelong and flexible learning pathways in UNESCO Member States. UIL provides practical tools and guiding documents as well as direct support and training for policy-makers in the field of lifelong learning at both the national and the local level. The UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities is among UIL’s flagship projects designed to advance lifelong learning at the local level. In addition, UIL has assembled a collection of effective lifelong learning policies and good practice examples of strategies for the recognition, validation and accreditation of skills acquired through non-formal and informal learning.