How does adult education relate to the Sustainable Development Goals? In many ways, new EAEA background paper discovers.
28.09.2018

New EAEA background paper on adult education and sustainability

Adult education contributes to and promotes many of the Sustainable Development Goals. New EAEA background paper takes a closer look at the interlinkages between adult education and sustainability.

Adult education, especially non-formal adult education, contributes to the individual as well as collective development of societies in many ways. Besides providing skills and competences, adult education contributes to social inclusion and the acquisition of life skills. The EAEA background paper “Adult Education and Sustainability” focuses on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and shares the linkages between then and adult education.

The paper examines how adult education contributes to the SDGs as well as reflects on the challenges faced by non-formal adult education and the measures needed to go from theory to concrete actions.

Read the backround paper Adult Education and Sustainability and see also our previous statements.

Text: EAEAPhotos: United Nations

29.10.2026 advocacy

Adult Learning at the heart of a resilient, democratic and competitive Europe

Joint statement by the European Association for the Education of Adults (EAEA) and AONTAS, The National Adult Learning Organisation, in the context of the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union and at the dawn of a new Europe.

26.10.2026 adult educators

From Technology to Learning: 8 insights for a more inclusive adult education 

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How to ensure quality in adult education bypassing the bureaucratic approach?

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14.10.2026 advocacy

Cuts cost more: EAEA deeply concerned by proposed reductions to the next EU budget

Ahead of the European Council meeting on 15–16 October, EAEA urges European leaders to recognise adult education, lifelong learning, and civil society as essential investments in Europe's future, not as expendable budget lines.