 |
| Dear friends of the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL), Welcome to this month’s edition of the UIL Bulletin. In this issue, we spotlight preparations for the Sixth UNESCO Global Report on Adult Learning and Education (GRALE 6) and reflect on UIL’s participation in the Hamburg Sustainability Conference 2026. We also share highlights from UNESCO Learning Cities’ celebration of World Youth Skills Day, recent progress in our work on strengthening literacy and non-formal basic education in Chad, and many other developments from across the lifelong learning community. In addition, you will find updates on the upcoming International Literacy Day, further events, thought-provoking articles, and the latest issue of the International Review of Education. We hope you enjoy reading this newsletter and thank you for staying connected with us. Warm regards, The UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning In focus  Shaping the Sixth UNESCO Global Report on Adult Learning and EducationOn 13 and 14 July 2026, the global drafting team for the Sixth UNESCO Global Report on Adult Learning and Education (GRALE 6) met in Hamburg to advance the development of this flagship report. Drawing on data from more than 145 UNESCO Member States, GRALE 6 will provide key insights into global trends, achievements and challenges in adult learning and education. Participants worked together to strengthen the report’s narrative, develop policy recommendations, highlighting the vital role of adult learning and education in responding to digital transformation, economic change and climate challenges, and in building more resilient and inclusive societies. Learn more ►  Voices from GRALE6 focal points ‘The data collection process for GRALE 6 provided Cuba with an opportunity to continue its comprehensive review of its policies, programs, and outcomes in the area of youth and adult education, as part of the Third Phase of the National Education System Improvement Initiative. The systematization of information made it possible to identify strengths, challenges, and areas for improvement related to literacy at the national (monitoring) and international levels, continuing education, lifelong learning, job training, and social inclusion.’Ms Maura Tomasén León, National Director of EDJA GRALE 6 focal point, Cuba ‘The data collection process served as a powerful self-assessment mechanism for our country. Gathering this data forced us to bring together various national stakeholders, bridging gaps between government sectors, civil society, and educators. This collaborative effort highlighted critical gaps in our current monitoring systems, allowing us to build more robust data-tracking frameworks and to work on better aligning our national policies with international standards.’ Ms Ghadeer Fannoun, Director of the Private Education Department, Ministry of Education, State of Palestine News  UIL at the Hamburg Sustainability Conference 2026Around 1,600 participants from 115 countries, representing governments, international organizations, the private sector, academia and civil society, gathered at the Hamburg Sustainability Conference 2026 to develop solutions to pressing global challenges. Opened by Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, the conference helped mobilize investments, launch new initiatives and advance action plans for sustainable development.UIL showcased its work in strengthening lifelong learning at the local level through the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities and engaged in a range of partnership meetings, helping foster new collaborations and reinforce shared efforts to advance lifelong learning worldwide.  Chad: New assessments lay the foundation for transforming literacy and non-formal basic educationChad has reached an important milestone in strengthening literacy and non-formal basic education through the Global Partnership for Education-funded Programme for the Refoundation of Chad’s Education System. Jointly led by UIL, the UNESCO Office in N’Djamena and the Directorate of Literacy and the Promotion of National Languages, two national assessments identified priorities for curriculum reform, capacity development and improved learning resources. The findings will guide the development of a National Capacity-Building Plan and a National Curriculum Framework to support more inclusive and effective learning opportunities for young people and adults outside the formal education system. Learn more ►  Supporting lifelong learning in Côte d’IvoireDuring a mission to Côte d’Ivoire, UIL’s Madina Bolly met with Minister of National Education, Literacy and Technical Education Koffi N’Guessan to reinforce the shared commitment to advancing lifelong learning. Building on an already strong partnership, discussions focused on how UIL can further support national efforts to strengthen the education system, expand lifelong learning opportunities and promote literacy across the country. The mission also reviewed progress in the implementation of the RAMAED literacy assessment programme and identified new areas for collaboration. Discussions further helped prepare for the upcoming meeting of the UNESCO Global Alliance for Literacy in Mexico, reaffirming a shared commitment to advancing inclusive and quality lifelong learning for all in Côte d’Ivoire. Engage!  International Review of Education – Call for reviewers The International Review of Education, the world’s longest-running international journal of comparative education, is expanding its global network of peer reviewers. Are you an emerging or established scholar in lifelong learning, adult education, or related fields? Join our community of peer reviewers for the International Review of Education and help shape cutting-edge research in the field. Learn more ► Ideas  International cooperation on education in times of global inequality Reaffirming education as a human right and public good becomes increasingly urgent as oligarchic powers affect trends in education defunding, privatization, and attacks on the right to education itself. It is essential to come together as a global community in solidarity and action, writes Isabell Kempf, Director of the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning, in a new IdeasLAB think piece. The article also explores the implications of AI, rising educational inequalities and the need to strengthen lifelong learning, global citizenship and critical engagement in an increasingly complex world. Read the full article ► Events  International Literacy DayUNESCO and the Government of Mexico will host the global celebration of International Literacy Day 2026 on 8–9 September in Mexico under the theme, ‘Literacy for people, the planet and prosperity.’ The event will provide an opportunity to review progress, address persistent and emerging literacy challenges, and help shape future literacy agendas in a rapidly changing world. It will also feature the UNESCO International Literacy Prizes award ceremony and the annual general meeting of the UNESCO Global Alliance for Literacy.  UNESCO Learning Cities Webinar: ‘Empowering women through lifelong learning – The role of female leadership in learning cities’ On 16 September 2026, the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities will host the webinar, ‘Empowering women through lifelong learning – The role of female leadership in learning cities’. This session will explore how female leadership at all levels – from community initiatives to local governance – is essential to strengthening lifelong learning opportunities and promoting gender equality in cities. Register now ►  Webinar: National Qualifications Frameworks (NQF): a strategic tool for recognising skills in the era of lifelong learning On 30 September 2026, the African Foundation for Lifelong Learning (FAATLV), in partnership with UIL, will host the webinar, ‘National Qualifications Frameworks (NQF): a strategic tool for recognising skills in the era of lifelong learning’. This webinar will explore the strategic role of the NQF as a lever for transforming African education systems, and will examine the conditions for its effective implementation in support of lifelong learning and social inclusion. Register now ► Watch the recordings of our past webinars!  UNESCO Learning Cities webinar: ‘AI for lifelong learning in cities – Shaping inclusive local practice’  Webinar: Lifelong learning and the inclusion of NEETs in Africa: Rethinking pathways to empowerment and economic inclusion  UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities  Youth in UNESCO Learning Cities build skills for work, citizenship and sustainabilityTo mark World Youth Skills Day 2026, UNESCO Learning Cities around the world showcased how lifelong learning is empowering young people to develop the skills they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world. From entrepreneurship and digital skills to community leadership, cultural preservation and environmental stewardship, young learners are gaining the knowledge, confidence and opportunities to shape their futures and contribute to sustainable development. Their experiences highlight the vital role of learning cities in creating inclusive pathways to employment, active citizenship and lifelong learning. Read more ►  A skill that changed my future is community mobilization. Through my involvement in local initiatives in Bouaké, particularly the Bouaké Sustainable City project, I learned to work with communities, institutions, and young people to design sustainable development initiatives.Mohamed Cissé, learner, UNESCO Learning City of Bouaké, Côte d’Ivoire  Through the training I received at the Quezon City Technical and Vocational Assessment Center, I learned how to repair and fabricate plastic products, allowing us to restore and reuse items that we would have otherwise thrown away. This training gave me self-confidence and a renewed sense of purpose.Jellie Ann Pasardoza, learner, UNESCO Learning City of Quezon, Philippines  UIL showcases Learning Cities approach at Parliamentary Evening in BerlinAt a parliamentary evening in Berlin, organized by the Hamburg Ministry for the Environment, Climate, Energy and Agriculture and the German Federal Ministry for Education, Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth, UIL showcased its work through the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities. Discussions highlighted the vital role of cities in advancing sustainable development, emphasizing that local governments are uniquely positioned to translate sustainability goals into practical action by equipping citizens with the knowledge, skills and values needed for a greener future.  Blog post: Learning cities as civic ecosystems: Culture, creativity and the conditions for lifelong learningFrom libraries and museums to festivals, volunteering and civic engagement, learning can flourish wherever people connect, create and contribute. A new blog post by Professor Rhiannon Jones, Chair of the UK Learning Cities Network, invites us to rethink learning cities as civic ecosystems – places where learning is embedded in culture, community life and democratic participation, not only in formal education. Read more ►  In the UNESCO Learning City of Trnava, Slovakia, the Learning Trnava Festival 2026 turned the city into a vibrant, shared space for discovery and exchangeOver two days, more than 30 organizations – including schools, universities, NGOs, cultural institutions and public authorities – came together to highlight the many ways learning can happen beyond the classroom. The programme spanned hands-on workshops, public discussions, intergenerational activities, digital and environmental education, science showcases, cultural performances and initiatives encouraging active citizenship. Children, young people, adults and older learners all took part, reflecting a strong commitment to inclusive, lifelong learning across the community.   Dimbokro and Boundiali, Côte d’Ivoire, celebrate inducation into the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities The city of Dimbokro recently celebrated its membership in the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities, which was granted in December 2025. „This membership marks the beginning of an ambition: to build a city where every citizen, regardless of age or condition, has the opportunity to learn, train, innovate and contribute fully to the development of his or her community”, said the Minister of Economy, Finance and Budget and Mayor of Dimbokro, Adama Coulibaly. The celebration was held in the presence of H.E. Mrs Ramata Bakayoko-Ly, Permanent Delegate of Côte d’Ivoire to UNESCO.Learn more The Municipality of Boundiali celebrated its membership in the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities. During a special ceremony, H.E. Mariatou Koné, Minister of Heritage, State Portfolio and Public Enterprises and Mayor of Boundiali, received the official UNESCO certificate. The event marked an important milestone in the city’s commitment to lifelong learning, education, skills development, innovation and inclusion, while opening up new opportunities for international cooperation and the exchange of good practices. |