Overview of the European Lifelong Learning Conference
Organised by our counterparts from the national coordinators of the European Agenda for Adult Learning, the Lifelong Learning Conference was held on 17 and 18 April 2024 under the Belgian presidency of the European Union. By bringing together experts, teachers, institutions and political leaders, the event aimed to raise awareness and promote a culture of lifelong learning.
The event was attended by several of the Agenda's national coordinators, as the issues of developing, recognising and promoting the skills of adults who are furthest from employment and training are at the heart of the EAAL.
The video of the plenary conferences is available at: https://lifelonglearning.broadcaststream.eu/
Lifelong learning, a European priority
Lifelong learning has been a feature of European policy since Jacques Delors declared 1996 the Year of Lifelong Learning. However, despite a consensus around this priority, we are a long way from achieving the European Commission's target of 60% adult participation in training by 2030. In practice, this culture of adult education is not well established. And the least qualified people, who would benefit most, have even less access. In today's fast-changing environment and in the context of accelerating digital and green transitions, adult education must play its full role. One of the main challenges identified is motivating learners and creating a culture of lifelong learning.
A review of European policies to support lifelong learning
The European Commission opened the conference by presenting a panel of European policies on lifelong learning. Below are the key takeaways from these presentations:
- Sophia Eriksson Waterschoot, Director for Youth, Education and Erasmus+, DG for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture (European Commission):
- Adult education is at the heart of the challenge of strengthening Europe's autonomy and securing its future.
- Transnational cooperation is essential to guarantee this “brain power”, in particular by promoting joint programmes and European diplomas.
- Micro-credentials are also a tool for strengthening lifelong learning: flexibility allows individuals to develop skills at their own pace, for professional or personal purposes.
- Lifelong learning is the first pillar of the European social rights strategy, adopted in 2017, which shows the important role training in improving the social rights of Europeans.
- There is a real challenge in terms of skills requirements, particularly digital skills, in light of the changes underway.
- The strategy for individual training accounts is a real lever for motivating and engaging learners.
- Manuela Geleng, Director for Jobs and Skills, DG for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion (European Commission):
Trainees’ commitment: the key to the success of lifelong learning
Two university professors (Ellen Boeren and Marcella Milana) then gave presentations on studies that show why people get involved in training.
Below are the main points of their presentations:
- Lifelong learning requires a collaborative effort and cooperation involving individuals, educational institutions, employers and governments.
- European policies for adult learning (European Agenda for Adult Learning resolutions of 2011 and 2021, Upskilling Pathways in 2016) have led to the emergence of structured initiatives and indicators.
- Many challenges remain, and the attractiveness of adult training cannot be based solely on the desire to improve skills.
- Main obstacles identified:
- Time and finance;
- Availability of training courses;
- Lack of motivation for those who need it most. There are major differences between European countries in this respect. It is therefore vital to introduce a culture of lifelong learning from an early age and develop curiosity (see pISA survey survey).
The challenges ahead for lifelong learning
Education ministers from several European countries (Netherlands, Belgium, Spain) and El Iza Mohamedou, Head of the OECD Centre of Skills, discussed the many challenges ahead for lifelong learning:
- Rise of populism and anti-democratic tendencies;
- Spread of false information;
- Adapting to changes linked to artificial intelligence;
- The green transition and the creation of new jobs, particularly in the renewable energy sector;
- The digital transition that has operated long-term transformations in the labour market and requires an increase in global skills;
- The demographic transition with an ageing population that is profoundly changing society.
Conclusion
These contemporary challenges underline the importance of anchoring the culture of lifelong learning in Europe: education and citizenship are closely linked and education is a strategic tool for all countries.
Lifelong learning must be part of a long-term vision and not just a reaction to labour needs. It should be integrated into every stage of our lives in order to meet the societal challenges of our time, such as the green and digital transitions, ageing societies and geopolitical fragmentation.
[Translation : NSS EPALE France]
