Five regional reports examining progress in adult learning and education

The UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL) has published five regional reports examining progress in adult learning and education in each world region, complementing the global perspective provided by the third edition of UNESCO’s Global Report on Adult learning and Education (GRALE 3). They were debated at the CONFINTEA VI Mid-Term Review, in Suwon, Republic of Korea and together with GRALE 3, represent the most up-to-date assessment of progress against the Belém Framework for Action on adult learning and education.

The five reports, jointly produced with the International Council of Adult Education (ICAE), consider regional developments in achieving the recommendations of the Belém Framework for Action in sub-Saharan Africa, the Arab States, Asia and the Pacific, Europe and North America, and Latin America and the Caribbean. They are accompanied by a sixth summary report, collecting the executive summaries of the five regional reports, which is available in English, French and Spanish

The Belém Framework for Action was adopted at the Sixth International Conference on Adult Education (CONFINTEA VI), held in Brazil in December 2009. It records the commitments of Member States and presents a strategic guide for the global development of adult learning and education from a lifelong learning perspective.

The third Global Report on Adult Learning and Education (GRALE 3), published in 2016, drew on survey data to evaluate progress made by countries in fulfilling the commitments made in Brazil, while also highlighting some of the contributions adult learning and education can make to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The CONFINTEA VI Mid-Term Review took stock of progress made by Member States since 2009, looking ahead to GRALE IV in 2019 and to CONFINTEA VII in 2021. It was attended by about 350  international stakeholders, drawn from 103 countries.

The following reports were debated at the conference:

• The status of adult learning and education in Asia and the Pacific - regional report
• The status of adult learning and education in Europe and North America - regional report
• The status of adult learning and education in Latin America and the Caribbean - regional report
• The status of adult learning and education in sub-Saharan Africa - regional report
• The status of adult learning and education in the Arab States - regional report
• Progress, challenges and opportunities: The status of adult learning and education – Summary of the regional reports (available in English, French and Spanish)