UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning

The UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL) supports Member States in lifelong learning, focusing on learning ecosystems, life/work skills, and inclusive education, with special attention to UNESCO’s Global Priorities Africa and Gender Equality. It boasts one of the world’s largest specialized libraries and publishes the longest-running journal on comparative education and lifelong learning. UIL’s Governing Board, composed of 12 globally renowned education experts nominated by UNESCO’s Director-General, meets annually to guide its work. Its mandate includes promoting the right to education through research, capacity-building, networking, and publishing, prioritizing least developed countries. Based in a historic Hamburg villa provided by the city, UIL partners closely with the University of Hamburg and hosts numerous interns, scholars, and visiting researchers.