Revitalising Adult Continuing Education for Positive Social Changes and Personal Fulfilment

Adult continuing education (ACE) plays a vital role in fostering both individual growth and broader societal progress. At its core, ACE is a key component of lifelong learning, essential for adapting to rapidly changing economic, social, and technological environments (Field, 2006). For individuals, ACE provides opportunities for personal fulfilment, enhances self-efficacy, and improves employability through the development of new skills (Jarvis, 2010). From a societal perspective, it contributes to social cohesion by addressing inequalities, supporting civic participation, and combating the rise of populism, xenophobia, divisive nationalism, and crime, while also promoting active citizenship (Donlevyvan Driel & Hoareau McGrath, 2019; Schuller & Watson, 2009). Our title “Revitalising Adult Continuing Education for Positive Social Changes and Personal Fulfilment”reflects these dual purposes, highlighting the transformative potential of ACE in achieving personal empowerment and driving positive social change. Both the title and sub-themes of thisIssue have subsequently shaped the agenda of the 2024 Conference of the International Adult and Continuing Education (IACE) Hall of Fame and the Induction Ceremony hosted by the University of Florence, Italy (November 2024).