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| Dear friends of UIL, Welcome to the final newsletter of the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL) in 2025. In this edition, we share highlights from the closing months of the year: the recent meeting of the UIL Governing Board, the seventieth anniversary of the International Review of Education, the expansion of the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities, a new partnership agreement with the UNESCO Regional Center for Quality and Excellence in Education, the launch of our Greening Communities Guidance publication, an upcoming charity concert at Hamburg’s renowned Elbphilharmonie – and much more. As the year draws to a close, I would like to express my sincere gratitude for your continued engagement and support. Advancing lifelong learning is a shared mission – one that thrives through collaboration and the commitment of all stakeholders. Warmest season’s greetings to you and your loved ones, along with my heartfelt wishes for a peaceful and inspiring new year. Isabell Kempf Director, UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning NEWS  UIL Governing Board commends progress and charts future directions On 2 and 3 December 2025, the UIL Governing Board convened in Hamburg, Germany. Chaired by Mr Daniel Baril, former Director General of the Institute for Cooperation in Adult Education (ICÉA) in Canada, the Board commended UIL’s strong performance in 2025, endorsed its ongoing initiatives, and provided strategic guidance for the 2026 work plan. The Board expressed its appreciation to the outgoing chair, Mr Baril, for his excellent leadership, and elected H.E. Ms Zohour Alaoui – Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco to Germany and former President of the UNESCO General Conference – as Chair from January 2026. Learn more about the UIL Governing Board ► Partnerships  UIL and RCQE sign strategic partnership to advance lifelong learning in the Arab region and beyond UIL and the UNESCO Regional Center for Quality and Excellence in Education (RCQE–UNESCO) have signed a partnership agreement, launching a three-year strategic collaboration to strengthen lifelong learning across the Arab region and beyond. Running from 2026 to 2028, the partnership will support national and local efforts to advance lifelong learning and contribute to the implementation of the Marrakech Framework for Action. Learn more ►  Lifelong learning is key to preparing societies for the future. Through this partnership, we are supporting countries and cities in the Arab region and beyond to equip both young people and adults alike with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world.Ms Isabell Kempf, Director, UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning  This strategic cooperation agreement reflects RCQE–UNESCO’s commitment to supporting regional and global efforts to advance education and promote a culture of quality lifelong learning. Our partnership with UIL marks a significant step towards building a comprehensive system that serves Arab countries and extends internationally, empowering individuals and communities with the skills and knowledge needed to achieve sustainable development.Dr Abdulrahman bin Ibrahim Al-Medaires, Director-General, UNESCO Regional Center for Quality and Excellence in Education  |
| Strengthening partnerships in Germany How can UIL deepen collaboration with its host country, Germany, to enhance impact through strong and effective partnerships – especially amid rapid global developments? A recent workshop on this topic, hosted by the German Commission for UNESCO and the UNESCO Partnerships Team, provided an excellent platform to explore this question together with colleagues from the UNESCO International Centre for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (UNESCO-UNEVOC) and the Federal Foreign Office of Germany. The discussion not only opened new avenues for closer cooperation but also highlighted the strength of existing relationships and the many partnerships already thriving – built on a shared vision, mutual trust and a commitment to meaningful change. |
| 70 years of the International Review of Education |
 Discover our virtual exhibition:Education Across Borders: 70 Years of the International Review of Education Learn more |
| The Editor’s Monthly Choice Measuring what we value: Seven decades of educational data and measurement in the International Review of Education César Guadalupe Education data quality in the Third World: A five country study David W. Chapman The use of economics in comparing educational systems Friedrich Edding The methodology of comparative education I. L. Kandel History, science and comparative education: A study in methodology Andreas M. Kazamias |
| Watch the recording of our webinar: ‘The International Review of Education: 70 Years of Research in Lifelong Learning’ |
| Sixth Global Report on Adult Learning and Education |
 UNESCO Member States are cordially invited to submit their data for the Sixth Global Report on Adult Learning and Education by 30 January 2026 (deadline extended). |
| UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities |
| Watch the launch of the Greening Communities Guidance: Lifelong Learning for Climate and Sustainability Action |
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| Third Forum of the Latin American Learning Cities Network held in La Paz The Third Forum of the Latin American Learning Cities Network was held in La Paz, Mexico, bringing together over 600 participants and 30 mayors united by a shared goal: advancing lifelong learning for all. Supported by the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities, the event provided a dynamic platform for collaboration and dialogue, helping to drive transformative progress across 56 cities in the region. The forum reinforced a collective commitment to building cities where continuous learning supports sustainability and resilience. |
| Events |
| Did you miss any of our 2025 webinars? Watch them now! |
