Community engagement

Community engagement in the provision of lifelong learning is of vital importance. The UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL) contributes to the international dialogue on encouraging community participation in building learning societies. In addition, the Institute promotes community-based non-formal learning through research and advocacy work on community learning centres and learning cities.
The role of community learning centres in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals has been a particular focus of UIL’s research activities in recent years. UIL is a member of a partner network of the Global Action Programme on Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) that encourages local communities and municipal authorities to develop community-based ESD programmes.