The European university continuing education network, eucen, position on University Life-long Learning promoting the Agenda 2030 on Sustainable Development

Abstract

<p>Today, the role of universities in the promotion and development of lifelong learning as a humanistic, holistic and sector-wide focus to learning has been strongly recognised both in employment and in society by many policy makers, stakeholders and civil society groups.</p><p>eucen and its member universities share a common conviction that while lifelong learning has an important role to play in achieving all of the Sustainable Development Goals of Agenda 2030, it is at the heart of Sustainable Development Goal 4 which aims to develop inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all, especially through university programmes and collaborative actions for higher learning, so as to respond to economic, societal and environmental realities and challenges.</p><p>The Sustainable Development Goals do not simply challenge us to support universities in becoming more aware of the new and changing learning needs of individuals and of communities across Europe, and in responding to these with accessible educational and training programmes using new technological and collaborative learning approaches. They challenge us also to reflect on the important social responsibility to<br />bridge quality education and training with each and all relevant Sustainable Development Goals.<br /></p>