Geneva, May 6 (V7N) — The International Labour Organization has called on governments worldwide to make lifelong learning a central policy priority, warning that rapid transformations driven by digitalization, artificial intelligence, environmental transition and demographic change could deepen inequality without inclusive and well-funded learning systems.

According to a newly released ILO report titled “Lifelong Learning and Skills for the Future,” global labour markets are undergoing profound changes that are reshaping the demand for skills. Drawing on worker surveys, online job vacancy analysis and a review of 174 studies, the report highlights that insufficient investment in accessible and inclusive training systems risks widening disparities both within and between countries.

ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo said lifelong learning serves as a critical link between current jobs and future opportunities, emphasizing that it is essential not only for productivity and employability but also for ensuring decent work, fostering innovation and building resilient societies.

The report reveals that only 16 percent of individuals aged 15 to 64 participated in structured training over the past year, indicating limited access to formal learning opportunities. In contrast, 51 percent of full-time workers in formal enterprises received employer-supported training, exposing a significant gap between formal and informal sectors. Workers with lower levels of formal education and those employed in smaller or informal settings largely rely on learning through practical experience rather than structured programs.

The findings also underline a shift in employer expectations, with growing demand for a combination of technical, cognitive and socio-emotional skills. While digital and green competencies are increasingly important, employers are placing equal emphasis on communication, teamwork and problem-solving abilities. In many countries, socio-emotional skills account for a substantial share of job requirements, reflecting a broader need for well-rounded skill sets.

ILO Country Director for Bangladesh Max Tuñón noted that similar trends are evident in Bangladesh, where employers are seeking workers equipped with both technical and soft skills. He stressed the importance of addressing institutional fragmentation and strengthening collaboration with the private sector to deliver effective and relevant training.

Although demand for artificial intelligence-related skills is expected to grow, the report indicates that such skills currently represent a small portion of overall job requirements. Many workers rely on user-friendly AI tools, making foundational competencies such as digital literacy, critical thinking and interpersonal skills increasingly vital.

The report also highlights the global shift toward environmentally sustainable economies, noting that approximately 32 percent of workers are already engaged in environmentally relevant tasks. However, it cautions that green jobs do not automatically guarantee decent working conditions, particularly in the absence of appropriate skills and policy support.

In addition, the demand for care workers is projected to rise significantly, with global needs expected to increase from 85 million in 2023 to 158 million by 2050. Despite this surge, many care sector workers continue to face low wages and poor working conditions, underscoring the persistent undervaluation of essential skills in this field.

The ILO warns that lifelong learning systems in many countries remain fragmented and underfunded. Even among high-income nations, 34 percent allocate less than one percent of public education budgets to adult learning, while in low-income countries the figure reaches 63 percent. Structural challenges such as limited financing, weak infrastructure and poor institutional coordination continue to hinder effective learning systems.

The report calls for a comprehensive and inclusive approach to lifelong learning that extends beyond formal education and integrates workplace training and community-based opportunities. It emphasizes the need for stronger governance, improved coordination, increased investment and active collaboration among governments, employers and workers’ organizations.

Without decisive policy action, the ILO cautions that ongoing global transformations risk leaving large segments of the workforce behind, ultimately undermining sustainable economic growth and social inclusion.

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