The book Powering a Learning Society During an Age of Disruption by ADB is an edited volume of 21 articles and presents the latest, cutting-edge thinking on the role of a learning society in education and training. Located in current volatile times, the book explores major drivers of change that influence learning. The volume presents contemporary perspectives on the role of a learning society from the lens of education planners, experts from universities, governments, and professional agencies as well as civil society organizations and industry leaders. The book is a testimonial to the importance of ‘learning communities’ as it stresses the pivotal role of different actors, including non-traditional actors such as city and urban planners, citizens’ groups, transport professionals, and technology companies in improving the quality of education and training opportunities. The book seeks to contribute to the discourse on strengthening the fabric of a learning society, which is crucial for future economic and social development, particularly in the context of the aftermath of the COVID-19 worldwide health pandemic.

ADB is privileged to have partnered with an illustrious group of education thought leaders. The authors come from: leading universities throughout the world, such as the National University of Singapore, Oxford University, and Seoul National University; prominent CSO organizations (Pratham and Teach for the Philippines); government initiatives (eg, Institute of Cyber Education), global think tanks (e.g. Brookings Institution), professional educational services agencies (eg. Australian Council for Education Research), large global providers of online education (eg. Coursera), international organizations (UNESCO and ILO), European skills institutions (European Training Foundation and SkillMan); non-traditional skills providers (eg. National Skills Academy for Rail in the UK) and private equity firms focusing on education (eg. Kaizenvest).

This webinar launched this book to key stakeholders in the Asia-Pacific region, and beyond.