This week, the Governing Board of the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning will meet to evaluate the progress of our work and provide guidance on the planning of upcoming activities. It is a moment to take stock. As for many, the year 2020 has been a challenging one for us due to the insecurities caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. But it has also been a year full of opportunities to shape the future of lifelong learning and accelerate progress.

On Saturday 31 October a great Scotsman died. Professor Jim Gallacher, for some four decades, was a driving force in the widening of access to higher education in Scotland, and in fostering the development of research in lifelong learning. He was a close personal friend and colleague of mine for over 30 years, and it is with great sadness that I write this account of his work.

High investment, high involvement’ workplaces have the best outcomes for workers and employers according to a recent large-scale survey of company practices across Europe. Just 20% of EU organisations fall into this category – bundling practices that increase employee autonomy, facilitate employee voice and promote training and learning.

The EUCEN Online Open Forum series begins next week. Full programme details are featured below and also available here with the first programme beginning on Monday, 2 November.