Egypt has launched a nationwide initiative aimed at embedding lifelong learning as a core social value, as Minister of Local Development Manal Awad announced the rollout of the “I Am a Lifelong Learner” initiative across all governorates, in cooperation with the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL).
The initiative reflects Egypt’s broader strategy to promote continuous education beyond traditional schooling and to transform lifelong learning from a theoretical concept into a daily cultural practice within local communities.
Speaking in an official statement, Awad—who also serves as Acting Minister of Environment—said the initiative is designed to reinforce the belief that learning is a continuous process that spans all stages of life, regardless of age, profession, or educational background.
Aligned With UNESCO’s Global Learning Cities Vision
The program is part of a broader package of activities encouraged by the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning, which supports countries in developing national lifelong learning policies and expanding Learning Cities networks at both regional and international levels.
Awad highlighted that the initiative plays a pivotal role in supporting Egyptian cities that are members of the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities, noting that 10 Egyptian cities have joined the network: Giza, Aswan, Damietta, Fayoum, Sharqia, Zefta, Alexandria, Cairo, Mansoura, and Shebin El-Kom.
She explained that the initiative strengthens the learning cities model by promoting education at all stages of life, creating symbolic and awareness-based frameworks that motivate citizens to learn, enhance cooperation between individuals and institutions, and elevate Egypt’s global engagement in lifelong learning efforts.
Expanding Skills for a Rapidly Changing World
The minister emphasized that the initiative aligns with both national priorities and international trends that recognize learning as a continuous process extending beyond formal education. It includes community-based, vocational, and digital learning, responding to rapid global changes and evolving labor market demands.
Awad pointed to the importance of future-oriented skills—particularly digital, entrepreneurial, professional, and language skills—as essential tools for expanding employment opportunities and improving quality of life.
Focus on Inclusion and Local Empowerment
Among the initiative’s strategic objectives are supporting national lifelong learning policies, encouraging institutions to adopt inclusive learning programs, and reinforcing public awareness that education is not a temporary phase but a lifelong path.
Awad directed governorates to prioritize remote and underserved areas, with special attention to handicrafts and manual trades that support economic empowerment for women and persons with disabilities.
She also stressed the importance of community engagement through workshops, seminars, open learning days, experience-sharing sessions with experts, and localized media campaigns highlighting successful role models.
With the launch of “I Am a Lifelong Learner,” Egypt is reinforcing its commitment to human development—placing continuous education at the heart of local development, social inclusion, and sustainable growth.
