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

15.11.2025 digitalisation

Integrating digital education in detention institutions  

Technology has the power to break down barriers, but it also creates them. For people living in detention, the digital divide is a daily reality. Digital education is crucial in today's world, and should be better integrated in detention contexts. Across Europe, innovative adult education initiatives show paths to improve quality and inclusion.

14.11.2025 EAEA Grundtvig Award 2025

EAEA Grundtvig Award 2025 publication out now

Get to know the innovative projects that applied for the 2025 EAEA Grundtvig Award on Flexible Learning Pathways!

07.11.2025 active ageing

Active ageing and intergenerational fairness in focus: highlights from EAEA’s recent activities 

It was a busy week for EAEA regarding intergenerational fairness. From attending a high-level policy panel to facilitating a community discussion, EAEA engaged with diverse stakeholders to reflect on the intergenerational learning and promote active citizenship and active ageing across Europe.