International Consultative Meeting on Lifelong Learning – Chengdu, China

From July 23-26, the International Consultative Meeting on Lifelong Learning Policies took place in Chengdu, China, successfully bringing together policy experts on lifelong learning from around the world.

Organized by UNESCO’s Division for Policies and Lifelong Learning Systems (PLS) and the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL), the meeting was co-hosted by Chengdu Education Bureau and Chengdu Community College. Its purpose was to review draft manuscripts of the joint UNESCO PLS and UIL report on the principles and key policy implications of lifelong learning, as well as the UIL handbook on practical approaches to lifelong learning policies and implementation. Those in attendance included prominent university professors, national education representatives, officials from different sectors and heads of various UN and UNESCO offices globally.

Over the course of three productive days, participants recognized the value of the two publications while engaging in critical discussions and proposing improvements. During this first round of consultation on the joint UNESCO PLS and UIL report, they gave concrete comments on how to improve and further develop the document. For the UIL handbook, which went through its first consultation last year, this second round of comments also yielded results. When reviewing the handbook, participants were pleased with how it had advanced towards its objectives, yet they were still eager to provide constructive comments to make it even more effective. Having passed successfully through this review stage, the UIL handbook will be finalised in August and made available later this year.

The publication of both the report and the handbook will facilitate the future formulation and implementation of relevant policies for lifelong learning around the globe. With the success of this meeting and valuable insight gained on how to improve the draft manuscripts, these publications will soon be ready to support the realization of lifelong learning for all and contribute towards the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.