SEP Establishes Commission to Promote Lifelong Learning

Mexico’s Ministry of Public Education launches a National Commission for Lifelong Learning to modernize higher education and align programs with regional economic needs. The commission brings together public and private universities to promote continuous skills development and regional alignment of educational offerings.

“This effort must align the educational offerings of specific regions with their economic vocations, ensuring that young people benefit from their studies,” says Mario Delgado, Minister of Education. Deputy Minister Ricardo Villanueva adds that the initiative aims to foster a paradigm shift toward education that supports lifelong learning.

The commission’s creation responds to the rapid obsolescence of skills in the workforce, with technical abilities often remaining relevant for only five to ten years. SEP officials say that higher education institutions must provide pathways for continuous professional development, not only for graduates but also for students who have interrupted their studies. The initiative aligns with the federal Plan México and the Poles of Development for Well-Being, led by President Claudia Sheinbaum.

The National Commission for Lifelong Learning includes representatives from leading public and private universities, such as UNAM, IPN, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Universidad Anáhuac, Universidad Abierta y a Distancia de México, and Universidad de Guadalajara, among others. Regional commissions will be established between Sept. 22 and Oct. 10, led by state universities in San Luis Potosi, Baja California, Nayarit, Morelos, Mexico City, and Quintana Roo.

The commission will develop courses tailored to regional economic needs and provide microcredentials recognizing specific skills. A national digital platform is planned to democratize access to these credentials and facilitate continuous learning opportunities.

Officials highlight that the initiative also seeks to promote critical thinking, civic values, and technical specialization to improve employability. Carlos Moreno, Director General of Higher Education, SEP, says that the move toward flexible university systems responds to the short lifespan of many skills, emphasizing the need for microcredentials to maintain workforce relevance.

By fostering continuous professional development and regional alignment, the commission aims to reshape Mexico’s higher education system to better meet the demands of a rapidly evolving economy, while expanding educational opportunities for students across the country.