“We have a long way to go to implement lifelong learning worldwide” – Interview with Malak Zaalouk, Chair of the UIL Governing Board

Malak Zaalouk is a professor of practice and director at the Middle East Institute for Higher Education at the American University in Cairo, Egypt. At the end of her term as Chair of the Governing Board of the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning, Ms Zaalouk shares her view on implementing lifelong learning worldwide.

Where do we stand in regards to implementing lifelong learning worldwide?

We have a long way to go to implement lifelong learning worldwide. This is particularly true for developing countries, where we observe a strong focus on formal education and certification that is required for the job market.

Historically, the idea of lifelong learning is very much rooted in the Arab region. This is where the saying ‘learn from the cradle to the grave’ originates. The Confucius philosophy of the East also underlines the importance of ongoing learning. Yet, nowadays, lifelong learning is far more advanced in developed countries, where the much-needed policies and incentives are in place.

In the Arab region for example, lifelong learning has not been sufficiently integrated into the broader educational landscape. A lot more work needs to be done in terms of developing the right policies and integrating the lifelong learning perspective into sector-wide planning for education.

What changes you would like to see?

It is highly important to build bridges between formal and non-formal education, allowing recognition, validation and accreditation of all learning outcomes. This is often not the case. Although we have very well-developed qualification frameworks in some parts of the world, others lag far behind. We need to capture and asses the competencies people gain in their lifelong and life-wide journeys. If this does not happen in a visible way, people are not incentivized to continue their learning journey.

What are key opportunities to further lifelong learning?

Teachers, learning cities and new technologies. Let me explain:

Teachers are the centrepiece of lifelong learning. They are responsible for the learning of so many and have to be adequately educated to be able to do this in an effective manner. In my view, UIL is perfectly suited to do more work in this regard.

Secondly, learning cities. How does one tackle the global challenges at local level? By creating lifelong learning environments. The Global Network of Learning Cities is one of the best opportunities for UNESCO to contribute to sustainable development at local level. We should use this grand opportunity.

And, lastly, we now have many technologies at the tip of our fingers. We see that they slowly transform people into lifelong learners. Everyone does a Google search when seeking information about illnesses, a good hospital or a good doctor. Individuals can do their research every minute of the day with the technologies of our time.

In your view, what are UIL’s comparative advantages?

The UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning embodies the ideas reflected in the Edgar Faure report of 1972 and the Delors report of 1996. UIL shows us what is out there other than formal education. With the adoption of the 2030 Agenda and Sustainable Development Goal 4 on education, we have witnessed a paradigm shift at global level, putting lifelong learning at the centre. UIL is ideally positioned to contribute to its implementation because it has long-standing expertise in this area.

What was your most memorable event during your time as Chair of the UIL Governing Board?

The 2019 International Conference on Learning Cities in Medellín, Colombia. It was amazing to observe the transformation of the city of Medellín; to witness how bridging learning, urban planning and leadership has led to what was once considered one of the most dangerous cities in the world into one of the most innovative.

What would you like to tell your successor?

Treasure UIL! Keep pushing for its important mandate and continue to reach out to the necessary partners to make lifelong learning a reality!