Inclusive Lifelong Learning Conference
From 3 to 6 July 2023, the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL) and the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs, Republic of Indonesia organized a conference to promote the right to education throughout life and discuss strategies and actions to make lifelong learning inclusive in ASEAN and further countries.
The conference identified strategic directions to translate the recommendations of the Marrakech Framework for Action (MFA), adopted at the Seventh International Conference on Adult Education (CONFINTEA VII), into policy measures, strategies and programmes.
Only if all of us have the chance to adapt to new developments and acquire the knowledge necessary to act jointly to solve global challenges will we be able to create fairer, more just and sustainable societies. A rapidly developing world does not allow for learning to finish with the end of compulsory or higher education. It requires lifelong learning for all.
Blog
Daniel Baril, Chair of the UIL Governing Board, reflects on the Inclusive Lifelong Learning Conference
Denni P Purbasari, Kartu Prakerja Executive Director, explains how training initiatives are changing.
Edith Hammer presents the latest research by UIL and Shanghai Open University.
The conference aimed to ...
- take stock of national adult education and learning strategies in the region and beyond and facilitate a focused exchange among countries;
- identify good practices and innovations in adult learning and education, upskilling, reskilling;
- contextualize the Marrakech Framework for Action, discuss its implementation at country level and identify areas for cooperation.
Joko Widodo
President of the Republic of Indonesia
“Indonesia is a big country. The key factor of a nation's development lies in a high quality workforce; that is the reason why upskilling and reskilling (adult learning) has become a top governmental priority. We are blessed with abundant natural resources. But, without proper management from highly skilled human resources, this means nothing. In fact, as we have plenty of natural resources and are supported with high quality people, our workforce is what drives Indonesia to become bigger than ever.”
Participate
The conference welcomed 300 participants, among them high-level representatives from ASEAN countries, as well as partner countries and technical and financial partners.
Airlangga Hartarto
Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Republic of Indonesia
“Lifelong Learning is an integral part of human development and competitiveness. The Bali Conference on Inclusive Lifelong Learning will discuss important lifelong learning policies and initiatives, including for skilling and upskilling, with a special focus on inclusion. In the spirit of leaving no one behind, this Conference strives to scale-up real on-the-ground actions, to give the best opportunities for everyone so they can develop to their full potential throughout their lives.”
KARTU PRAKERJA
The government of Indonesia’s Kartu Prakerja Program is a large-scale skill development program that is designed as a conditional cash transfer, where each beneficiary is provided with an amount of money to buy online trainings, and given additional cash incentives to buy essential goods after they complete their trainings. As of April 2023, over 16.5 million beneficiaries in all regencies and cities across Indonesia’s 17,000 islands, digital technology is highly-utilized.
The Kartu Prakerja Program has been thoroughly studied and received critical acclaim from Harvard & MIT researchers, and recognized by UN DESA as one of its SDG Acceleration Actions. UNDP’s supported Impact Evaluation Study found that this Program improves work competency, productivity and competitiveness, helping to increase its beneficiaries income by around 10% and their entrepreneurial skill by more than 40%.
The Program was initiated by our Indonesian President Joko Widodo and is overseen by the Work Creation Committee consisting of 14 Minister-level Officials, led by the Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs. It is a Digital Platform that uses Cloud Computing Technology and implements G2P (Government-to-Person) payment mechanism that is consumer-centric and direct from the government treasury to user’s bank/e-wallet accounts. Such mechanism helps reduce corruption and accelerate financial inclusion especially for those at the bottom of the pyramid. Most importantly, the program built an Ecosystem of Public and Private Partnerships consisting of Job Platforms, E-Commerce, Edu-Tech Platforms, FinTech and Banks, and private training providers, Universities and NGOs.
Providing various trainings, the Kartu Prakerja Program equips its beneficiaries with both hard and soft skills needed for the future of work. This helps the labor force adapt to existing and emerging disruptions that threaten the jobs and well-being of many people. The Kartu Prakerja Program encourages Lifelong Learning, specifically at the Adult Learning and Education (ALE) stage. It boosts continuous learning process massively and inclusively.
UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning
The promotion of adult learning and education lies at the heart of the mandate of the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL). UIL is the only entity in the UNESCO family with a specific mandate to promote lifelong learning. It aims to strengthen the capacities of UNESCO Member States in the field of lifelong learning, with a focus on youth and adults, paying particular attention to the policies and systems conducive to lifelong learning pathways.