Lifelong learning must be central to policy: ILO

International Labour Organization (ILO) has urged governments to make lifelong learning a central pillar of economic and social policy and warned that global transformations could deepen inequality without stronger and more inclusive systems.

A new ILO report titled “Lifelong learning and skills for the future” draws on worker surveys, online vacancy analysis, institutional data and a review of 174 studies. It cautions that digitalisation, artificial intelligence, the green transition and demographic shifts are rapidly reshaping labour markets and skill demands.

“Lifelong learning is the bridge between today’s jobs and tomorrow’s opportunities,” said ILO Director-General Gilbert F Houngbo.

He said it supports employability, productivity, innovation and resilient societies, making it essential for sustainable growth.

The report also highlights widening gaps in access to learning. Only 16% of people aged 15 to 64 participated in structured training in the previous year, while 51% of full-time workers in formal firms received employer-supported training. Workers in informal jobs and with lower education levels rely largely on “learning by doing”.

It finds that employers increasingly demand a mix of technical and soft skills, including communication, teamwork and problem-solving. Digital and green skills are important, but often need to be combined with cognitive and socio-emotional abilities. Workers with such “rounded” skill sets are more likely to secure better-paying jobs with improved conditions.

ILO Country Director for Bangladesh Max Tuñón said the findings reflect trends in Bangladesh, where demand for combined skill sets is growing. He stressed the need to address institutional fragmentation and strengthen collaboration with the private sector to deliver relevant training.

The report notes that artificial intelligence-specific skills currently represent a small share of demand, as many workers use accessible AI tools without specialised knowledge. Instead, foundational skills such as digital literacy and critical thinking remain crucial.

It also points to the growing importance of care work, with global demand for long-term care workers projected to rise from 85 million in 2023 to 158 million by 2050. However, many care workers continue to face poor conditions, indicating that such skills remain undervalued.

The ILO estimates that 32% of workers globally are engaged in environmentally relevant tasks, but warns that green jobs do not automatically ensure decent working conditions without appropriate policies and skills development.

Despite its importance, lifelong learning remains underfunded. The report says 34% of high-income countries allocate less than 1% of their public education budgets to adult learning, while the figure rises to 63% in low-income countries.

The report calls for broader access to learning, stronger training systems and policies that align with people’s needs. It emphasises the importance of governance, coordination, financing and social dialogue among governments, employers and workers.