TAM Report / Uzbekistan - Lifelong learning

GENERAL INFORMATION

TAM title: Lifelong Learning as a Key to Sustainable Development: Technical Solutions for Global Challenges

Type of Event: Webinar

Modality: Online

Country: Uzbekistan

Dates: 15–16 May 2025

Participants: A total of 41 participants attended the seminar, representing higher education institutions from Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and different regions of Uzbekistan (including Tashkent, Andijan, Namangan, and Samarkand). Participants included rectors, vice-rectors responsible for academic affairs and science, heads of academic and scientific departments, teaching staff, PhD students, and members of the HERE team.

THEMES COVERED

• Concept, principles, and benefits of lifelong learning
• Lifelong learning and its contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
• Technical and digital solutions supporting lifelong learning
• Challenges and barriers to lifelong learning (funding, accessibility, cultural attitudes, policy limitations)
• Policy frameworks supporting lifelong learning at international and national levels
• Role of micro-credentials and continuous learning pathways

KEY OUTCOMES

During the workshop, participants:

• Developed a clearer understanding of lifelong learning principles and their relevance for sustainable development and the SDGs.
• Examined technical and digital solutions that enhance access to lifelong learning and support flexible learning pathways.
• Identified key challenges and barriers to lifelong learning implementation and discussed possible policy and institutional responses.

• Reflected on international policy frameworks and national examples supporting lifelong learning strategies.

   

OVERVIEW

The two-day online seminar focused on enhancing understanding of lifelong learning as a driver of sustainable development and a response to global challenges. The programme combined expert-led presentations, interactive activities using digital tools (including Mentimeter), group discussions, and case-based learning. The first day introduced the concept and principles of lifelong learning, explored its links with the SDGs, and examined the role of micro-credentials in education and continuous learning.

The second day addressed technical solutions and innovations supporting lifelong learning, followed by an in-depth discussion of challenges and barriers affecting implementation. Participants worked in breakout groups to analyse issues related to funding, accessibility, cultural attitudes, and policy limitations. A case study on Finland’s national continuous learning reform illustrated how policy frameworks can support lifelong learning at different governance levels. The seminar concluded with reflections, Q&A sessions, and synthesis of key messages.

THE FOLLOW UP ACTIVITY

Title of the activity: Lifelong Learning as a Key to Sustainable Development: Technical Solutions for Global Challenges

Dates: 11 June 2025

Audience: 26 participants, including representatives of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovations of Uzbekistan, the National Erasmus+ Office, administrative and teaching staff, and PhD students from seven higher education institutions in the Samarkand region.

Description: The follow-up online seminar aimed to reinforce and disseminate the outcomes of the TAM by promoting the integration of lifelong learning principles into higher education policy and practice. The programme included keynote contributions from national authorities, expert input from the international expert on lifelong learning implementation in Finland, and interactive sessions using digital tools. Participants explored the contribution of lifelong learning to specific SDGs, examined technical solutions supporting distance and flexible education, and engaged in Q&A sessions. The event concluded with the formulation of recommendations intended to inform higher education policy development and future initiatives led by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovations.

ENHANCING IMPACT: PROPOSED NEXT STEPS

• Formulate and implement comprehensive policies recognising the role of higher education institutions in advancing sustainable development and the SDGs.
• Invest in infrastructure, research, innovation hubs, and capacity-building to support lifelong learning and collaboration with industry.
• Promote digital transformation in higher education by strengthening technological infrastructure and training educators in digital pedagogies.
• Encourage collaboration between education, business, government, and civil society to address global and local challenges through lifelong learning.
• Support initiatives related to lifelong learning, skills development, AI, digital transformation, and new technologies.
• Include learners in governance structures and decision-making processes related to education.

RESOURCES AND BACKGROUND MATERIAL

• United Nations (n.d.). Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Available at: http://sdgs.un.org/2030agenda
• United Nations (n.d.). Gender equality and women’s empowerment – Sustainable Development (Goal 5). Available at: https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/gender-equality/
• UNESCO (n.d.). What you need to know on lifelong learning. UNESCO. Available at: https://www.unesco.org/en/lifelong-learning/need-know
• UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (2022). Making lifelong learning a reality: A handbook. UNESCO. Available at: https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000381857/PDF/381857eng.pdf.multi