The International Labour Organization (ILO) has warned that governments must place lifelong learning at the centre of economic and social policy as AI, digitalisation, and demographic shifts reshape global labour markets. Without stronger and more inclusive learning systems, inequalities between workers, industries, and countries risk widening further.
According to the ILO’s new report Lifelong Learning and Skills for the Future, only 16% of people aged 15 to 64 participated in structured training in the past year. Access is far higher among full‑time employees in formal companies, where employer‑supported training reaches 51%. In contrast, workers in informal jobs and small enterprises rely mainly on learning through experience, leaving them at a disadvantage.
Employers increasingly seek combinations of digital, socio‑emotional, communication, and problem‑solving skills rather than narrow technical expertise. While demand for AI‑related capabilities is expected to grow, most workers currently use ready‑made AI tools that require broader digital literacy, critical thinking, and collaborative abilities rather than specialist engineering knowledge.
The report also highlights the growing importance of green and care economy skills. Around 32% of workers globally already perform environmentally relevant tasks, and demand for long‑term care workers could nearly double by 2050. These trends underscore the need for systems that can adapt to changing economic and social realities.
The ILO calls for greater public investment, stronger institutional coordination, and inclusive lifelong learning strategies to support workers through rapid technological and economic transitions. By embedding lifelong learning into policy, governments can ensure that workers are equipped to thrive in the future of work.
