International Day of Education 2025: Why Lifelong Learning Matters
International Day of Education 2025: Why Lifelong Learning Matters

International Day of Education 2025: Why Lifelong Learning Matters

Education is far more than the mere transmission of knowledge—it is a powerful force that shapes our identity, influences how we think, and defines how we act in the world. Learning is just something we do—it’s who we are. This insight reminds us that education is not confined to classrooms or universities; rather, it accompanies us throughout every phase of life. On this International Day of Education, we celebrate the transformative potential of education to empower individuals, unite communities, and promote peace and sustainable development.

Education as the Key to Peace and Development

“The greatest investment you can make is in yourself. Keep educating yourself—because when you grow, everything in your life grows too.” These words capture the essence of why learning never truly ends: when we invest in our education, our personal growth also enriches our relationships, our careers, and even our sense of purpose. In Europe, education is viewed as a fundamental right deeply woven into everyday life—traditionally geared toward imparting knowledge, yet increasingly focused on cultivating skills and competencies that prepare us for a rapidly changing world.

Since the 1990s, lifelong learning has gained prominence in policy and society. We have witnessed a shift in how we perceive and practice education: from rigid curricula and narrowly defined learning outcomes toward flexible, individualized approaches that encourage us to remain curious and adaptable. Against this backdrop, the International Day of Education reminds us that education is not only a fundamental right but also a lifelong opportunity—an invitation to grow as individuals and to contribute positively to our environment.

Lifelong Learning: A Concept for a Dynamic World

According to the European Union, lifelong learning encompasses “all learning activities undertaken throughout life, with the aim of improving knowledge, skills, and competencies from a personal, social, or professional perspective.” This highlights that education does not end with adolescence but continues across our entire lifespan. In a world constantly reshaped by technological breakthroughs, social changes, and new ways of working, learning has become a continuous process that both challenges and enriches us.

Since the 1990s, we have seen a shift in how we think about education, moving away from a purely formal and uniform model to a more holistic and varied understanding. Terms like lifelong learning, lifelong education, education permanent, and recurrent education demonstrate that there is no single, unchanging blueprint; rather, numerous approaches exist, each adapted to specific cultural, political, and social needs. What unites them is the recognition that learning takes place during all phases of life and serves far more purposes than just earning degrees or certificates.

An important global framework for this perspective is the Education 2030 Agenda, coordinated by UNESCO. Its central aim is to ensure inclusive, equitable, and quality education for all people worldwide, throughout their lives. Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) emphasizes that educational opportunities must be accessible to everyone—from vocational and academic pathways to the development of relevant skills for employment and entrepreneurship. Lifelong learning is thus a pillar of what we understand to be high-quality education, as it expands our skill sets, broadens our horizons, and fosters adaptability.

Parallel to these international efforts, our broader understanding of education has evolved dramatically. While knowledge acquisition once took centre stage, the development of personal competencies—such as critical thinking, collaboration, and digital fluency—has become increasingly crucial in meeting the demands of a complex, rapidly changing world. In this dynamic environment, education is viewed as a continuous process of learning and unlearning, rather than a rigid, one-time qualification.

Lifelong learning is more than a buzzword—it reflects a mindset that embraces adaptability, openness, and ongoing development. Individuals who remain open to continuous education—be it through workshops, online courses, community programs, or self-study—are better equipped not only to achieve personal goals but also to help shape a future-oriented society. By committing to lifelong learning, we cultivate the ability to innovate, empathize, and creatively respond to the challenges that define our global community.

Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) and Lifelong Learning

Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) goes a step further by emphasizing that learning is an ongoing process, empowering us to make informed decisions and act responsibly in shaping a fairer, more sustainable world. Rather than focusing only on theoretical knowledge, ESD aims to develop cognitive, social, emotional, and behavioural skills that help us respond thoughtfully to global challenges.

Central to ESD is the alignment of educational content with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which underscore the values of empathy, solidarity, and the capacity for action. This holistic perspective turns education into the driving force behind a profound transformation—one that prompts us to re-examine longstanding assumptions and actively participate in shaping society. With its BNE 2030 (ESD for 2030) program, UNESCO underscores education’s vital role in achieving the SDGs and calls for a comprehensive shift toward greater sustainability worldwide.

When education is approached as an ongoing journey—one that includes a wide range of competencies, experiences, and reflections—it becomes a pivotal tool for fostering peace and sustainability. By learning from each other, by questioning the status quo, and by addressing problems creatively, we become active agents of change. In that sense, lifelong learning is not merely a personal strategy for success; it is also a collective endeavour to build more inclusive, respectful, and forward-thinking communities.

Education as a Key Driver of Peace and Sustainable Development

Education for Sustainable Development also highlights how much we grow—cognitively, socially, emotionally, and in practical skills—when we incorporate global goals into every level of learning. By embedding sustainability principles into everything from preschool curricula to adult education, we nurture a sense of responsibility for our shared future. The UNESCO programs and frameworks that promote ESD remind us that education stands at the intersection of individual transformation and global progress.

Lifelong learning thus becomes a catalyst for peace, enabling people to recognize global challenges, develop solution-oriented mindsets, and collaborate across cultural and national borders. When individuals and communities are empowered to learn continually and share their knowledge, they contribute to creating a world where diversity is valued, conflicts are addressed constructively, and sustainable solutions become the norm. In this way, education serves as both foundation and engine for peaceful coexistence and meaningful change.

Education as a Lifelong Companion

In summary, education is far more than a formal system one passes through during the early stages of life. It is an ongoing process of self-discovery and evolution, accompanying us from childhood into old age. Every new step—whether it’s rethinking a personal goal, seeking fresh career opportunities, or engaging in social initiatives—is enriched by a willingness to learn, adapt, and transform.

In that sense, education is not just what we do—it is who we are. It shapes our identity, awakens our potential, and helps us recognize how we can live together peacefully and sustainably. Anyone who embraces this lifelong learning journey gains not only knowledge and skills, but also contributes to a future where collaboration, understanding, and innovation thrive. Ultimately, it is through this spirit of continuous learning that we lay the groundwork for a life marked by growth, purpose, and shared responsibility for the world around us.

The German version of the article, you can find her on Circus Magazine.

Here is a KI-generated audio podcast summarising the article.


A Final Tip: The Learning Diary

In keeping with this idea of continuous growth, author and learning expert Vera F. Birkenbihl suggests a simple yet powerful habit: keep a learning diary. Every day, note down at least three things you learned—big or small, formal or informal. It could be a new insight, a lesson learned from a mistake, or something that had previously gone unnoticed. By consciously recognizing these daily learning moments, you train your brain to focus on possibilities instead of obstacles.

Over time, this practice not only builds a more positive mindset but also nurtures the confidence to work consistently toward your goals. The results can be startlingly quick: you may soon notice a shift in how you think, how you act, and, ultimately, how you live. In this way, you embrace the essence of lifelong learning—staying curious, celebrating growth, and forging a more meaningful path for yourself and those around you.


Title Photo by lookstudio on freepik.com