With this issue, the International Journal of Lifelong Education enters its fortieth year of publication. It was launched, under the editorship of Peter Jarvis and J.E. (Teddy) Thomas, in a different era. We are now embarking on a two-year project to mark the completion of this anniversary, and to launch us into our fifth decade. The project involves looking back and peering forward. It comprises two main elements, the outcomes of which will, we hope, be published in two forthcoming special issues of the journal. The first element, and the first special issue, will explore key themes in the development of adult lifelong education over the past four decades, reflect on how the field has changed and is changing, and discuss priorities for research, policy and practice to ensure lifelong education plays a full and effective part in addressing human concerns for the next decade and beyond.