Lifelong learning

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, 754 million 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.

• What you need to know on lifelong learning