Drawing on the input of 12 distinguished experts from different countries and disciplines, a report just published by the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL), entitled Embracing a culture of lifelong learning: Contribution to the Futures of Education initiative underlines that creating a global culture of lifelong learning will be key to addressing the challenges humanity is currently facing; ranging from the climate crisis to technological and demographic change, not to mention those posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the inequalities it has exacerbated.

The report reflects on the contribution of lifelong learning both to the transformation of the field of education and to the creation of a more sustainable, healthy, and inclusive future. It presents a vision for lifelong learning and the values and principles that must inspire it.

The report outlines the main features of the ‘enabling environment’ needed to make lifelong learning the governing principle of education policy. It analyses the main issues that currently inhibit lifelong learning and describes how to transform them into opportunities. The report sets out ten key messages, each of them critical for creating a culture of lifelong learning, and suggests specific actions and policy measures to realize this vision.

I very much hope that the reflections and recommendations of our report will inspire your work on advancing lifelong learning.