The concept of lifelong learning (LLL) has had a major impact on education and training systems, moving away from the idea that education is limited to the early years of life. Now, this approach focusses on transforming education and training systems to meet the needs of a constantly changing world.

To this end, Portugal also created a National Qualifications System (NQS) with the aim of creating the conditions for effective lifelong learning.

The NQS introduced greater curricular flexibility, highlighted the diversity of education and training provision (also regarding continuing training), recognised informal and non-formal learning and emphasised the importance of student/learner-centred learning.

This system has welcomed people with disabilities, through qualifications and LLL, and greater articulation between the education and training system and the labour market.

The NQS also recognises that LLL plays a key role in achieving equal opportunities, inclusion and social cohesion, as well as an important aspect in building a sustainable future. Thanks to LLL, knowledge, skills and competences can be acquired that contribute to personal development, employability, well-being and prosperity, changing perspectives and better preparing people for the future. In addition to this, integrative, high-quality and accessible LLL makes it possible to better respond to the challenges posed by changes in society and the labour market.

Lifelong learning, which is enshrined in the first principle of the European Pillar of Social Rights (EPSR) and in Sustainable Development Goal 4, is a powerful tool for dealing with the challenges societies face nowadays, particularly those arising from megatrends, such as globalisation, digitalisation, climate change and demographic change (including ageing populations). It makes a decisive contribution to strengthening Europe's social dimension and building more inclusive, fair, sustainable, digital and resilient societies and economies.

By 2030, according to the European Pillar of Social Rights Action Plan, under the terms of the commitment signed by the member states at the Porto Social Summit (May 2021), Portugal should help ensure - at European level - that at least 60% of all adults undertake training every year (also that at least 80% of people between the ages of 16 and 74 should have basic digital skills).

Component C.6 ‘Qualifications and Skills’ of the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP) includes a set of reforms that will help Portugal to:

• reduce the percentage of adults, including young people, of working age who have yet to complete upper secondary education
• have 60 % of 20-year-olds in higher education and 50 % of 30-34-year-olds with a higher education qualification
• increase the number of adults involved in lifelong learning.

It should also be noted that Portugal is committed to pursuing the European Union's aim to set up a European Education Area (EEA) by 2025, whose strategic framework for European cooperation in the field of education and training has as one of its priorities making LLL, as well as mobility, a reality for all.

For additional information on the National Qualifications system and the Qualifica Programme, see Chapter 8 – Adult Education and Training.

For additional information on the Resilience Plan, see Chapter 14 – Ongoing reforms and policy developments.

In terms of lifelong learning strategies, it is important to mention the European programmes in place in successive community frameworks. Currently, the Erasmus+ Programme 2021-2027 plays a key role in the European strategy for lifelong learning by promoting mobility and international cooperation in education, training, youth and sport. With regard to education and training, the strategic objectives for lifelong learning include increasing educational staff, trainees and learners’ mobility, as well as boosting the European dimension. This aims to recognise and validate competences and qualifications, while raising adults’ literacy levels from a lifelong learning perspective.

In tune with the European Union's vision of a European Education Area by 2025, where lifelong learning is accessible to everyone and people contribute to a society based on knowledge and innovation, the programme aims to facilitate personal and professional development via inclusion and equity, green and digital transition, encouraging innovation and excellence in educational and training practices.

For additional information on the Erasmus+ Programme, see Chapter 13 - Mobility and Internationalisation.