The article is devoted to the problem of global trends and directions of development in adult learning and education that are considered in UNESCO’s documents. It is noted that UNESCO, as a specialized agency of the United Nations, promotes international cooperation in education, science and culture, its priorities include the achievement of quality education for all and lifelong learning, as well as the creation of an inclusive knowledge-based society through information and communication.
The author summarizes that UNESCO as a world international organization has a crucial significance in promoting and developing adult learning and education through adopting a number of documents, concepts and reports that define mainstream trends and development directions. The latest may be referred to the following: replacement the concept of Development of Adult Education with the Adult Learning and Education, widening by this way sphere of its implementation; defining three core learning domains in the field of ALE as: literacy and basic skills; continuing education and professional development; liberal and community education (active citizenship skills); confirming the paradigm of traditional distinction between three basic categories of learning activity: formal, non-formal and informal learning; noting, however, that there should be a distinction between purposeful informal learning and random informal learning.
It is noted in the article that the efforts of numerous UNESCO organizations are focused on specific areas that need improvement, such as: giving everyone a fair chance at education so that everyone has equal access to adult education; a significant increase in participation in adult learning and education in order to achieve equal progress in adult education and learning in different countries, etc.
Key words: the UNESCO, lifelong learning, adult education, adult learning and education, formal, non-formal and informal learning, equal participation
Researches in Adult Learning and Education: the European Dimension