On September 22, 2025, during the historic 80th anniversary of the United Nations General Assembly, a significant educational initiative was launched: the Lifelong Learning Passport (LLP). This groundbreaking development, introduced by the Learning Economy Foundation (LEF), envisions a universal and portable record aimed at bridging the gap between learning and opportunity for individuals across the globe. The LLP, designed as a universal tool for learners, is being backed by a coalition of more than 50 global partners that includes notable foundations, governments, researchers, and technology innovators, all united under the vision of enhancing educational outcomes aligned with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 - ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education.
The Lifelong Learning Passport stands out for its innovative use of AI technology. It functions as a secure digital wallet that allows users to own and transport their personal records of skills, credentials, and educational experiences. This means, for the first time, individuals can carry their lifelong learning achievements with them, regardless of borders or educational systems. The initiative aims to empower learners by providing them a structured path to utilize their skills in the workforce and beyond. Not only does it facilitate recognition of their learning, but it also integrates with the Skyway App Store, a platform that connects users with AI tutors and personalized learning applications.
Chris Purifoy, the CEO and Co-founder of LEF, highlighted the importance of this initiative, stating, "Education is the cornerstone of opportunity, yet billions of learners remain disconnected from systems that recognize their growth. The Lifelong Learning Passport represents a shared commitment to change that through an open, interoperable, and secure record that turns learning into opportunity for everyone." Such a sentiment underscores the pressing need to reform current educational frameworks and develop synergies within the learning ecosystem.
Furthermore, John Goodwin, the former CEO of LEGO Foundation, elucidated upon the transformative potential of the LLP, mentioning, "AI tutors and intelligent insights connect learners' interests, skills, and achievements to personalized goals and pathways, meaning smarter, more inclusive support for every learner." This vision of a more interconnected and supportive educational landscape reflects a necessary shift towards inclusivity and personalized learning.
As the Lifelong Learning Passport gears up to make waves in the educational sector, Carissa Carter, Academic Director at Stanford d.school, emphasizes the importance of this launch: "This launch is about building the connective tissue of a more inclusive global economy. It marks a pivotal moment for learners worldwide, shifting from a fragmented education system to one that cultivates shared infrastructure and equitable opportunities for all."
The LLP’s ambition is to affect one billion learners by 2030, facilitating a connection between education and dignified employment throughout a person’s life. This drastic move hints at a broader digital transformation in education, positioning the Lifelong Learning Passport as not just an educational tool, but a public utility that seeks to revolutionize the way skills and achievements are recognized and utilized globally.
To see the Lifelong Learning Passport in action, you can visit
LearnCard. For further insights into this initiative, the Learning Economy Foundation's website at
learningeconomy.io serves as a resourceful hub for media inquiries and further engagement. The launch of the Lifelong Learning Passport is not merely a new product; it is a bold declaration of commitment towards making quality education a reality for all, regardless of geographical or socio-economic barriers. As we move forward, the expectation is clear: every learner deserves to have their accomplishments recognized and connected to meaningful opportunities.