Nordic Adult Education 2026

Adult education has traditionally focused on providing equal opportunities of education and learning for all, especially in the Nordic countries. Education has been considered as a public good, valuable in itself, a firm foundation for a democratic society and a source of opportunities for meaningful work. In today’s world we are facing multiple crises such as climate change, digital disruption/AI, disinformation, social polarization and involuntary migration. In these circumstances adult education and adult education research become more important than ever in addressing the aforementioned global challenges. Research based knowledge forms a solid basis for tackling these threats. Adult education and lifelong learning are crucial in educating citizens in facing these multiple challenges.

Simultaneously, however, the purpose of adult education and the politics of lifelong learning are increasingly being narrowed down to produce competent workforce for the benefits of the markets. Educational outcomes such as employability are emphasised and promoted in educational policy and institutions as well as other organizational settings. The current narrow focus on employability and market needs obscures the traditional emphasis on the social benefits of adult education. This raises an urgent need to rethink the purpose of adult education and lifelong learning during times of crises and find ways of re-articulating its social and economic role.