The right to education covers all ages
Lifelong learning for all
In today’s world of rapid technological advancement, generative artificial intelligence, labour market volatility, climate change and demographic transition, learning throughout life is more important than ever.
Our vision: A world in which everyone can learn throughout life.
UNESCO and the United Nations Group of Friends for Education and Lifelong Learning hosted the exhibition 'Lifelong Learning for All – Empowering Individuals, Transforming Societies.'
Audrey Azoulay, UNESCO Director-General
Education doesn’t stop at the school gate. It continues throughout life. We must make the right to education a reality for everyone.
Felipe Paullier, United Nations Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs
Lifelong learning for all is an investment in a brighter future for communities worldwide and our planet as a whole. For young people, education is the key to unlocking their potential and unleashing their power for positive transformational change, which is needed now more than ever before.
Show the world that you believe in the transformative power of learning. 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.
How to get involved
- Add a photo of yourself to our campaign. To do so, access our Canva template here and add your image before downloading. Alternatively, you can download our campaign frame here and add your own image in any graphic programme.
- Share your photo and an explanation of why you are a lifelong learner on Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, or Facebook using the hashtag #ImALifelongLearner.
- Tag someone you wish to engage in the movement.
#ImALifelongLearner
Group of Friends for education and lifelong learning spearheading the #ImALifelongLearner campaign
During the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Summit 2023, the Group of Friends for Education and Lifelong Learning spearheaded the #ImALifelongLearning campaign as part of their efforts to champion advocacy and outreach on the global commitments on education at the United Nations.
Ambassador Merete Fjeld Brattested, Permanent Representative of Norway to the United Nations / Chair of the Group of Friends for Education and Lifelong Learning
Education is the cornerstone of personal and societal growth. Lifelong learning helps meet the evolving needs of our world, and empower individuals to thrive and fulfil their potential.
Ambassador Ricardo Lagorio, Permanent Representative of Argentina to the United Nations / Co-Chair of the Group of Friends for Education and Lifelong Learning
Renewing our commitment to lifelong learning to strengthen the right to education of people of all ages will contribute to an Education for Peace.
Ambassador Jakub Kulhánek, Permanent Representative of the Czech Republic to the United Nations / Co-Chair of the Group of Friends for Education and Lifelong Learning
Equitable, inclusive, quality education and lifelong learning empower individuals of all ages and unlock the door to gender equality. As a fundamental human right, education is the cornerstone of sustainable development, and is crucial for promoting, building and sustaining peace.
Ambassador Yamazaki Kazuyuki, Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations / Co-Chair of the Group of Friends for Education and Lifelong Learning
Education is crucial for achieving human security. Education across all ages serves as a powerful tool for development and is the foundation for lasting peace.
Ambassador Njambi Kinyungu, Chargé d'affaires a.i., Permanent Mission of Kenya to the United Nations / Co-Chair of the Group of Friends for Education and Lifelong Learning
Education across all ages, without a doubt, is the foundation upon which sustainable development stands. Education is a game changer. Quality education is an equalizer and a powerful catalyst for inclusive growth and the full realization of the human potential.
H.E. Mr Joko Widodo, Former President of the Republic of Indonesia
The knowledge we acquired from school or university can eventually become outdated. However, if we keep learning throughout our life. We will stay relevant. It means, keep learning and be a lifelong learner.
#ImALifelongLearner #SayaTerusBelajar #JApprendsToutAuLongDeLaVie #AprendoALoLargoDeLaVida انا اتعلم مدى الحياة# #我是一名终身学习者
Stefania Giannini, UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Education
#ImALifelongLearner because knowledge fuels my curiosity. It is the foundation for my passion to transform learning around the world and make the #RightToEducation a reality for everyone!
H.E. Mr Airlangga Hartarto, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Republic of Indonesia
Lifelong learning holds the key to unlocking Indonesia's vast potential. By equipping individuals with the skills needed for a changing workforce, and nurturing social cohesion through inclusive education, Indonesia will forge a path towards sustainable development, economic prosperity, and a harmonious society.
#ImALifelongLearner #SayaTerusBelajar
Leonardo Garnier, Special Adviser for the Transforming Education Summit
#ImALifelongLearner because learning is discovering, looking for answers to never ending questions, finding out, reading about something that baffles you, sharing your search with others, learn with and from others. Learning does not begin at school, it starts much earlier… and it never ends: it’s a lifelong adventure.
Borhene Chakroun, Director of Division for Policies and Lifelong Learning Systems, UNESCO
Throughout my life, I have always been driven by an insatiable thirst for knowledge and learning and using the skills acquired for goals beyond my own growth. But perhaps the most significant aspect of lifelong learning is the joy and fulfillment it brings. It keeps me intellectually engaged and continuously challenges me to strive for doing more and better. Lifelong learning for me means also transmission, mediation, peer learning and knowledge sharing. So, let's embark on this journey of lifelong learning together. Let's inspire each other, share our experiences, and support one another in our quest for sustainable development and leaving no one behind. Join me in this campaign as we unleash the endless possibilities that lifelong learning offers
Sarah Anyang Agbor, Former Commissioner for Human Resources, Science and Technology of the African Union Commission / The Forum for African Women Educationalists Africa Board
Lifelong Learning is a journey of acquiring and refining skills, involving the expansion of human capacity & resources. It emphasizes inclusivity, competence, and the ongoing pursuit of knowledge. #ImALifelongLearner
Hartwig Lüdtke, Vice-president German Commission for UNESCO / UIL Standing Committee member
#ImALifelongLearner because I like museums, and everytime when visiting a museum I get new insights and knowledge.
I would urge formal recognition of a universal entitlement to lifelong learning and reskilling, translated into practice through legislation, policy and effective lifelong learning systems.
The world is off track
Rapid technological and social changes as well as massive global challenges require that citizens have access to new learning throughout their lives. The ultimate twenty-first century skill is the ability to learn. I urge governments and the international community to join our efforts and take action to ensure that the right to education is realized for everyone – no matter their age, who they are, or where they live.
Commitments to transforming education
Learning can no longer stop with the end of compulsory or higher education. Our rapidly changing world demands that we continue to learn throughout our lives.
Everyone, at every age, must have the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and skills that are necessary to address today’s global challenges and to actively contribute to establishing fairer, more just and sustainable societies.
Lifelong learning is the cornerstone of empowerment, enabling individuals to understand, adapt and shape the world around them.
Discover the real-life stories of lifelong learners throughout the world and witness the transformative power of learning!
Join UNESCO networks across the globe to make learning for everyone a reality!
