A number of research studies have been done on knowledge, skills and competences in relation to sustainable development. The concept of competences is seen as an essential landmark for orienting teaching and learning for sustainable development of society. To develop an adult needs oriented education program to improve problem-solving skills, the aim of this study is to identify skills and competencies which are necessary for adults to manage their professional life and to overcome challenges of modern world as well as to improve their personal resilience. This study summarizes also adult learners survey results in Latvia on problem-solving skills and the needs and opportunities for developing this competence are analysed in details.