UIL's Annual Report 2019

The UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning’s annual report shows how, in 2019, UIL fulfilled its mission to promote lifelong learning as the leading educational paradigm for inclusive and sustainable learning societies in the context of the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

It describes key achievements in the areas of policy support, capacity development, monitoring, advocacy and networking, as well as research and foresight. These include the publication of the fourth UNESCO Global Report on Adult Learning and Education, the organization of the fourth International Conference on Learning Cities and UIL’s contribution to the development of a new UNESCO Strategy for Youth and Adult Literacy for the period from 2020 to 2025.

Daniel Baril, Chair of the UIL Governing Board, notes in his foreword: ‘This annual report testifies to the important work done under my predecessor, Ms Malak Zaalouk. The relevant and wide-ranging activities and programmes of UIL are a unique contribution to adult learning and education and to the lifelong learning perspective.’

David Atchoarena, UIL Director, emphasizes: ‘UIL can be proud of the progress it has made in 2019. Governing Board members, our donors, partners and stakeholders, and our dedicated staff all deserve credit for contributing to what has been a year of resurgence for the Institute.’

Highlighting the challenges the world currently faces, from COVID-19 and the climate crisis to technological change and the entrenchment of deep social and economic inequality, he argues that a greater focus on lifelong learning and adult education is needed. ‘UIL must do all it can to raise the profile of lifelong learning, both on the international agenda and at regional and national levels. Through this report I am pleased to share with you the progress we are making in this direction.’

Download the UIL Annual Report 2019