Lifelong learning also called continuous learning is a global concept which applies both to developed and developing economies. It is a major goal of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. For instance, Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 states: “Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all”. Also, the global commission on the future of work has called for formal recognition of an entitlement to lifelong learning.

The International Labour Organisation (ILO) defines lifelong learning as all learning activities undertaken throughout life for the development of (a person’s) competencies and qualifications. It empowers individuals and societies to adapt and thrive in an ever-changing world, equipping them with relevant knowledge, skills, and perspectives necessary for personal and professional growth besides fostering intellectual curiosity, promoting innovation and productivity hence, helping individuals to remain relevant and engaged in a rapidly evolving global society.

Lifelong Learning is central to managing the transitions we face over the life cycle from early childhood and basic education to adult learning, upskilling and reskilling to take advantage of the change and go successfully through life’s transitions. According to Vega, Prieto, and Carreon (2009), each individual needs to seize learning opportunities throughout life not only to broaden their knowledge, skills, and attitudes, but also adapt to a changing, complex and interdependent world.

For the above goal to be successfully achieved, UNESCO together with the International Commission for Education advocates for the four pillars of education. These include learning to know, learning to do, learning to live together, and learning to be. These pillars of education cannot be defined separately since they form an integrated whole that complements and strengthens each other.

In view of the above, we can no longer manage to navigate our life course using only the skills and knowledge acquired at school, college or university. Everybody needs to continue learning throughout their lives. It is through this way that we would be able to tackle the current global challenges associated with new technologies, globalization, climate change, growing polarization of societies, and demographic and social dynamics – the things that are reshaping every aspect of our lives.
Embracing lifelong learning improves employability through reskilling and upskilling of workers in a changing world of work, enables individuals to master the digital revolution, ensures job security, gives better cognitive health, provides career options, and renewed motivation and networking opportunities. It also supports health and well-being across communities, and promotes tolerance and democratic values in the face of deep social and economic changes (UNESCO, 2024).

In order to successfully become a lifelong learner, it is very essential to incorporate several healthy habits into your daily routine. Nazarene University (2023) provides 10 habits that are necessary for you to become a successful lifelong learner. These include the following: Nurture a growth mindset; Do not be afraid to welcome new challenges; Take ownership of your future; Incorporate reading into your daily routine; Develop your time management skills; Nurture your passions; Embrace your curiosity; Understand the need for rest and self-care; Understand that learning must be pursued with intention; and Take courses regularly.

One of the most important and sure ways of learning at workplace is by embracing feedback. Mutual and reciprocal feedback is very critical at workplace. The whole purpose of feedback is to improve performance. However, without feedback, it is nearly impossible to learn anything as Albert Einstein, a Scientist and Nobel Prize Laureate rightly puts it: “If you always do what you always did, you will always get what you always got”. Indeed, great feedback is a critical element of the best practice in performance management.

However, some people lack an open mind to receiving feedback. This is especially true with some conservative managers who have a false belief that a manager cannot learn from their subordinates. Due to this negative perception, genuine feedback from subordinates is sometimes ignored or trashed, and at times they get defensive by engaging in blame games. Such kind of attitude not only inhibits organizational growth, but also denies one a chance to learn and improve. In this regard, Phil Collins, a British songwriter and record producer advises: “In learning you will teach, and in teaching you will learn”. Studies have shown that mutual feedback is a major key to learning as it tells you what to avoid, what to learn, and where to excel implying that everyone needs feedback to improve their performance and mend mistakes.

Besides, the principles of Performance Management provide for a management style that is open and honest between supervisors and subordinates; consensus and cooperation rather than control or coercion; encourages self-management of individual performance; and continuous mutual and reciprocal feedback.
Therefore, lifelong learning is the master key to unlocking the benefits associated with the current knowledge economy as it will lighten the path on our journeys to a brighter future of work. Embracing lifelong learning would not only help to enhance your career growth, but also enables employees and managers a like to acquire knowledge and skills they need to thrive in their chosen fields and opens new doors of opportunities to advance. Indeed, everyone regardless of their seniority level needs a chance to learn, improve, and build up their knowledge and skillset.

As Naveen Jain, a business executive and the founder, and former CEO of InfoSpace rightly puts it, no individual can be good at everything. Also, in the words of Albert Einstein, once you stop learning, you start dying. So, keep learning, keep growing, and watch as the doors of opportunity will swing wide open before you.

By Patrick Ajuna, Policy and Research Officer