University leaders commit to transforming higher education institutions into lifelong learning agents

Held in Shanghai, People’s Republic of China, from 19 to 21 October 2023, the conference welcomed over 250 participants, including university leaders, policy-makers, higher education experts, scholars and researchers, from China and abroad.

‘Beyond the invaluable role that they play in nurturing personal development, higher education institutions are fundamental drivers of economic, technological and social change,’ emphasized Ms Stefania Giannini, UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Education, in her conference statement. ‘[They must therefore] evolve into lifelong learning institutions, reflecting a strong commitment to flexibility and responsiveness to meet the needs of diverse cohorts of learners.’ 

The role played by HEIs in advancing a culture of lifelong learning – including through upskilling and reskilling, future skills development, and by providing flexible learning pathways and promoting sustainable development – was emphasized during the conference, as was the cruciality of HEIs establishing robust partnerships with both the private sector and community organizations. 

The conference also highlighted how universities can cater to non-traditional learners, with Dublin City University (DCU) providing an exemplary approach to addressing the needs of older learners. In addition to providing this cohort with vocational, formal and non-formal learning opportunities, DCU invites older adults to take part in participatory action research and has established a dedicated office to facilitate diversity.

In his opening address, Mr Lou Junjiang, Vice Chairman of Shanghai Open University Council, referred to the city of Shanghai as an important ‘testing ground’ for lifelong learning in China. As a new type of Higher Education Institution– one that is supported by information and communication technology and which serves to promote the concept of lifelong learning – SOU is committed to the openness, inclusiveness, flexibility and convenience of education, he said, expressing hope that the conference would serve as a platform for the promotion of lifelong learning in higher education. 

In his statement, UIL’s Director a.i., Mr Borhene Chakroun, highlighted the contribution of UNESCO to the development of inclusive HEIs, explaining how the Organization ‘supports Member States by providing research, resources and technical assistance as they seek to develop inclusive higher education systems that lay the ground for the equal distribution of opportunities among students.’

While building on research conducted by UIL and SOU on international trends of lifelong learning in higher education, the conference also provided the basis for future collaborations and joint advocacy to make higher education more inclusive, diverse and sustainable, in particular with regard to older people’s learning, education for sustainable development and the advancement of lifelong learning in HEIs. 

The conference was organized in partnership with the UNESCO Multisectoral Regional Office for East Asia (UNESCO Beijing), the National Commission of the People’s Republic of China for UNESCO, the International Association of Universities (IAU) and the Chinese Society of Educational Development Strategy.

Further reading:

International Trends of Lifelong Learning in Higher Education: Research Report

Institutional Practices of Implementing Lifelong Learning in Higher Education: Research Report