Welcome to Lifelong Learning, Global Impact (LLLGI) – supporting people transforming education in policy and practice.
Lifelong learning (LLL) is a popular concept shaping education around the world. Its premise is that every individual has a right to continue learning throughout life, regardless of age or background. This ideal finds expression in national and international frameworks and debates around education today, yet transforming education systems into LLL systems is a complex endeavour.
Alex Howells
After a number of years working in lifelong learning and international development, I set up this site to share my work and offer advice and support for those promoting more inclusive education systems.
Having collaborated with international organisations and governments in a variety of countries, it's clear that lifelong learning is becoming an increasingly important part of how education is understood globally.
Traditional education models often struggle to meet the needs of learners due to demographic change, economic challenges, rapid technological developments and environmental pressures. The international development context has also become more complex, with priorities and resources shaped by growing uncertainty and volatility.
Through LLLGI, I draw on international best practices to provide advice and help create opportunities for education stakeholders to engage with lifelong learning strategies at both national and international levels.
My experiences in LLL policy development
My work involves collaborating with governments, ministries and city leaders worldwide to advance lifelong learning. Key highlights include:
International workshops and consultations: I’ve led workshops on lifelong learning policy-making with government representatives from Cambodia, China, Kazakhstan, Namibia, Oman, the Philippines, South Africa, Tanzania, Thailand, Uganda and Vietnam.
National policy dialogues: Working with Ministries of Education, I’ve supported national policy development in Nairobi (Kenya), Ulaanbaatar (Mongolia) and Lao PDR, focusing on each country’s unique educational priorities.
Technical expertise in policy development: I have contributed in-depth written guidance for lifelong learning policies and implementation plans, helping shape accessible learning frameworks worldwide.
International thematic exchanges: Contributing to international conferences, I’ve facilitated exchanges around major themes such as inclusion (in Colombia), health (in South Korea) and climate resilience (in Saudi Arabia).
Workshops with city leaders: I have worked with mayors and city officials on practical strategies to promote lifelong learning locally, most recently supporting cities in Ukraine to design lifelong learning strategies.
The Lifelong Learning Map features developments in some of these countries