International Conference: CONFINTEA

The UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL) is pursuing an international adult learning and education agenda, focusing on the implementation and related monitoring of the Belém Framework for Action. This involves advocacy and communication work, as well as the international coordination of the CONFINTEA International Conferences and their follow-up processes. UIL’s work also involves identifying best practice in policy and programme development.

Sixth CONFINTEA Conference

As an outcome of the Sixth International Conference on Adult Education, which took place in Belém, Brazil, in 2009, the Belém Framework for Action (BFA) was adopted by 144 UNESCO Member States. The BFA sets out Member States’ commitments to develop policies and programmes, improve governance, increase funding, widen participation and improve quality in adult learning and education, and to monitor and report on national progress.

Against the background of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) , especially SDG 4 (‘ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all’), the CONFINTEA follow-up process draws special attention to realizing the right to education for all, including adults. It focuses in particular on marginalized groups experiencing difficulties in accessing formal and non-formal education systems. The CONFINTEA follow-up process recognizes that adult learning and education represent a significant component of the lifelong learning process, which embraces a learning continuum ranging from formal to non-formal to informal learning.