On June 5th, UNESCO Institute of Lifelong learning (UIL) and Shanghai Open University (SOU) launched two publications on the important role of higher education institutions in lifelong learning during an international webinar. Borene Chakrun, Director a.i. of the UIL, and Jia Wei, President of the SOU, delivered welcome messages. Hilligje van't Land, Secretary General of the International Association of Universities (IAU), made a presentation. During the webinar, UIL introduced the main research results of the publications. Representatives from higher education institutions and the university association also shared various institutional practices and perspectives.
“To empower learners for the challenges of our times, higher education institutions must become vibrant hubs that radiate knowledge, embracing individuals from every age group and diverse backgrounds and needs. From working individuals in need of upskilling and reskilling to older learners, vulnerable groups and non-traditional learners, including early school leavers, unemployed persons, migrants and refugees, and people with disabilities – targeted learning opportunities are essential for all. While significant progress has been made in the implementation of lifelong learning by higher education institutions worldwide, a more comprehensive and institution-wide approach is needed to fully transform these institutions into lifelong learning hubs,” underlines Borhene Chakroun.
“The transformation of higher education institutions into lifelong learning institutions is key to advancing SDG4. Higher education institutions in different countries and regions show richness and diversity in terms of content, approaches and focus areas for promoting lifelong learning. Based on the analysis of the survey data, the reports provide some specific recommendations for action and some cases on how higher education institutions in Member States can effectively promote lifelong learning policies and implementation. We hope that the release of the reports will help higher education institutions transform themselves into lifelong education institutions, provide lifelong learning opportunities for a wider segment of society, and contribute to the realization of a new social contract for education”, added JIA Wei.
“In the face of rapid technological advancements, amplified by the acceleration of Generative-AI, the climate crisis, labour market volatility, and dynamic demographic change, a paradigm shift is needed in learning and education systems to equip individuals of all ages with the necessary knowledge and skills for live and work. In this context, higher education institutions must transcend their traditional roles and emerge as unwavering beacons of lifelong learning,” said Hilligje van’t Land.
Two publications have been launched as outcomes of an extensive research project conducted by the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL) and Shanghai Open University (SOU) from 2020-2022, based on a survey among almost 400 universities worldwide. The project explores the role of universities and higher education institutions in lifelong learning through various components, including a literature review, international surveys, case studies, interviews and thematic studies. The publications provide valuable insights into lifelong learning within universities and serve as a resource for policy-makers and educators. The English version could be found on the UNESCO website.
Download link:
International trends of lifelong learning in higher education（https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000385339）
Institutional practices of implementing lifelong learning in higher education
（https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000385434）
