It is a vital issue for social cohesion and sustainable development of human societies. There is a consensus that lifelong learning should become the conceptual basis guiding all future education and training, and that it is at the heart of labour and social issues. Lifelong learning is taken to mean the comprehensive provision of purposeful learning opportunities throughout every individual's lifespan. Learning throughout life fulfils many social justice and sustainable economic development objectives, including preparation for democratic citizenship, living together in peace, employment, and personal and social fulfilment. Lifelong learning is characterized by a learning chain whose components are interrelated and mutually supporting.
Schools are the foundation on which further learning is constructed.
Disadvantaged and rural areas should be priorities. Adequate financing of lifelong learning systems is crucial to universal access. Within the context of lifelong learning, additional contributions may be made by individuals and public or private enterprises, consistent with the policies and legislation of member States. International development cooperation and assistance devoted to education has an important role to play in supplementing developing countries' efforts to finance lifelong learning. To achieve universal lifelong learning, a range of financing mechanisms will be necessary.