Lifelong learning and skills for the future
THEME: Participatory Learning Methods and Popular Education
TITLE: Lifelong learning and skills for the future
PUBLISHED BY: International Labour Organsation (ILO)
WHO IS THIS FOR:
Lifelong learning has become increasingly important in a world shaped by technological change, the green transition, demographic shifts, and evolving patterns of work. This report argues that lifelong learning should be treated as a strategic policy priority, supporting not only productivity and economic growth but also inclusion, equity, decent work, and social resilience.
Despite growing attention to skills development, there is still a lack of comprehensive and up-to-date research on lifelong learning. Existing evidence tends to focus on formal education, overlooking the many ways people learn throughout their lives, including through work, communities, families, and other informal settings.
The report highlights that participation in lifelong learning remains uneven and that support systems are often fragmented and under-resourced. Drawing on new survey data, institutional evidence, big data analysis, and impact evaluations, it provides a roadmap for building stronger lifelong learning systems.
The report examines how learning takes place across education, work, and society, identifies the skills most important for employment and adaptability, and outlines policies needed to create effective learning systems. Its central message is clear: inclusive, high-quality lifelong learning must be at the heart of labour market, growth, and development strategies. Educators, researchers, trade union leaders and grassroots teachers will find this publication useful.
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