Paris/Tokyo, December 12, 2023 — In a significant step towards fostering global education and sustainable development, the United Nations University (UNU) and the Learning Planet Institute formalized a partnership in December 2023. This memorandum of understanding marks a commitment to collaborative research programs and enhanced access to education, addressing critical challenges for a sustainable future in France and worldwide.
Since its inception in 1972, the United Nations University has served as a crucial bridge connecting rigorous academic research with impactful UN action. As a leading international research and higher education body, UNU is dedicated to generating innovative solutions to pressing global issues, aligning its efforts with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through its network of 13 institutes across 12 countries, UNU actively collaborates with premier academic and scientific institutions globally. Furthermore, UNU’s master’s and PhD programs are instrumental in building and strengthening capacities, particularly in developing nations.
Driven by a core belief in the transformative power of lifelong learning and collective intelligence, the Learning Planet Institute has been at the forefront of educational innovation since 2006. This interdisciplinary research hub explores, experiments with, and disseminates novel approaches to learning and collaboration, catering to the evolving needs of young people and the planet. The Institute develops pioneering educational programs that champion diversity and initiative. A cornerstone of its global mission is the LearningPlanet International Alliance, established in 2019 in partnership with UNESCO, dedicated to revolutionizing education and cultivating a learning society on a global scale.
This ambitious collaboration between the United Nations University and the Learning Planet Institute is structured around several key objectives:
- Advancing Research in Learning and Teaching: Jointly promote research into innovative pedagogical methods and expanding access to education for all demographics.
- Developing Joint Training Programs: Create and implement collaborative training initiatives focused on skill enhancement, with a specific emphasis on supporting vulnerable populations.
- Facilitating Knowledge Exchange: Organize platforms for exchanging expertise on critical educational transitions and the integration of human and artificial intelligence in learning, through symposia, workshops, and conferences.
- Collaborating on University Curricula: Partner on the development of university-level educational frameworks, potentially including joint UNU-Learning Planet Institute degree programs and co-supervised doctoral research.
- Exploring Institutional Integration: Investigate future pathways for the Learning Planet Institute to potentially become an integral part of the United Nations University system, amplifying its global reach and impact.
“We are incredibly enthusiastic about this agreement and the synergistic potential of collaborating with the United Nations University,” stated François Taddei, founder and president of the Learning Planet Institute. “We are confident that this powerful partnership will significantly enrich our respective programs and accelerate progress towards our shared objectives in service to humanity and the planet.”
Highlighting the significance of this new alliance, UNU Rector Tshilidzi Marwala emphasized, “Education and capacity building are fundamental pillars in achieving our collective aspiration for peace and prosperity for all. UNU’s partnership with the Learning Planet Institute underscores the vital role of lifelong learning in effectively addressing the complex challenges of both the present and the future.”
This partnership arrives at a crucial moment, echoing the ongoing global discourse around the need for a “learning society.” The concept of a learning society, gaining prominence in the early 1970s, particularly with influential reports advocating for lifelong learning, envisions a world where education is not confined to formal institutions or specific life stages. Instead, it promotes continuous learning and adaptation throughout life, empowering individuals and societies to thrive in a rapidly changing world. France, with its rich intellectual history and contributions to educational thought, played a significant role in these early discussions. This new collaboration between UNU and the Learning Planet Institute builds upon this foundation, striving to realize the ideals of a learning society in the 21st century by fostering innovation in education, promoting inclusivity, and addressing the urgent need for sustainable development.
Press Contacts
Learning Planet Institute
Isabelle Merny
[email protected]
United Nations University
Kyra Bowman
[email protected]
