Lifelong learning must become a strategic policy priority: ILO

A new report by the International Labour Organization (ILO) has urged governments worldwide to make lifelong learning a central pillar of economic and social policy, warning that failure to act could deepen inequalities amid rapid global transformations.

The report, “Lifelong Learning and Skills for the Future”, highlights that digitalization, artificial intelligence (AI), the green transition, and demographic shifts are reshaping labour markets, creating both opportunities and risks.

Drawing on worker surveys, online job vacancy analysis, institutional data, and a review of 174 studies, the report finds that without stronger and more inclusive lifelong learning systems, disparities between and within countries are likely to widen.

“Lifelong learning is the bridge between today’s jobs and tomorrow’s opportunities. It is not only about employability and productivity, but also about supporting decent work, driving true innovation and building resilient societies,” said ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo.

The report notes that only 16 per cent of people aged 15 to 64 participated in structured training in the year prior to being surveyed, with little variation across countries.

However, participation rises significantly among formal workers, with 51 per cent of full-time employees receiving employer-provided training.

This gap underscores inequalities in access to learning, particularly between formal and informal workers and across education levels. Workers in informal employment or smaller enterprises often rely on “learning by doing,” while those in formal sectors benefit more from structured training and mentorship.

ILO Country Director for Bangladesh Max Tuñón said the findings reflect trends visible in Bangladesh, including growing employer demand for a blend of technical and soft skills.

He stressed the need to address institutional fragmentation and strengthen collaboration with the private sector to ensure training systems align with labour market demands.

The report emphasizes that focusing solely on technical skills is insufficient. Employers increasingly seek a combination of digital, cognitive, socio-emotional, and manual skills.

Analysis of online job vacancies shows strong demand for communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities alongside digital competencies. In several countries, socio-emotional skills account for a significant share of employer demand.

While AI-related skills currently represent a small portion of total demand, the report notes that many workers use accessible AI tools that require strong foundational skills rather than advanced technical expertise.

Globally, about 32 per cent of workers are engaged in environmentally relevant tasks. However, the report cautions that green jobs do not automatically guarantee decent working conditions without appropriate policies and skill development.

The report also highlights the growing need for care workers, with global demand projected to increase from 85 million in 2023 to 158 million by 2050. Despite this, many care workers continue to face poor working conditions, indicating that essential skills in this sector remain undervalued.

The ILO calls for a broader, more inclusive approach to lifelong learning that extends beyond formal education to workplaces and society at large.

It notes that learning systems in many countries remain fragmented and underfunded. Even in high-income countries, 34 per cent allocate less than 1 per cent of public education budgets to adult learning, while in low-income countries the figure rises to 63 per cent.

The report urges governments, employers, and workers’ organizations to work together to expand access to learning, strengthen training systems, and improve governance, financing, and coordination.