UIL urges public open digital platforms for lifelong learning at Korea EdTech Forum 2022

Delivering lifelong learning for all demands equitable public access to high-quality digital learning content and instruction. That was the key message of the sessions organized by the UNESCO Institute of Lifelong Learning (UIL), with the UNESCO Asia and Pacific Regional Bureau for Education and the Korea Education and Research Information Service (KERIS), during the EdTech Korea Forum 2022 on 23 September 2022. The Forum was hosted by the Republic of Korea’s Ministry of Education and gathered 27 high-level officials from ministries in 24 countries. Hundreds of participants also took part from across the globe. 

Under the theme of “Into the Next Phase of Education through Digital Platforms”, senior government officials heard from a diverse set of panelists over two sessions. The panelists shared their perspectives on how national, regional and global digital platforms play a key role in the management, coordination and delivery of learning opportunities throughout life, from school education to workplace learning and skills development. 

In his opening remarks, UIL Director David Atchoarena argued that a significant transformation in access to education and learning was needed. He noted that large numbers of learners had limited access to digital education resources to pursue their studies, needs and interests. In many instances, content was inaccessible on mobile phones, poorly organized, or was behind paywalls or in virtual spaces where learners’ data was monetized. 

In response to this, he said, UNESCO and UNICEF have launched a Global Initiative on Public Digital Learning to map, describe and analyse existing public platforms and help countries to create and strengthen their national platforms. This will contribute to fostering a global culture of lifelong learning, and restore a holistic vision of learning throughout life as a critical means of empowering people in a time of rapid technological change, natural disaster and economic transformation.

UIL organized a panel session to shared innovative examples of how digital platforms, including Udemy and Kartu Prakerja from Indonesia, operated at national, regional and global level to support learning and employment. The Electronic Platform for Adult Learning in Europe was presented as a unique model of a Europe-wide network of adult learning communities coordinated through a common portal. UIL shared the findings of an upcoming report on how cutting-edge emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, extended reality and blockchain are being used in lifelong learning globally. 

UIL was honored to once again partner with the Korea Digital Educational Frontier Association and the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Korea.