CONFINTEA VI: A Time for Learning

Background

The 6th International Conference on Adult Education (CONFINTEA VI), the UNESCO led intergovernmental conference (category II) for policy dialogue and policy assessment on adult learning and education, hosted by Brazil in December 2009.

It has been preceded by Regional Preparatory Conferences that were carried out during 2008 and the learners’ events which were held in Edinburgh, Scotland between 31 March and 4 April 2009.

In close cooperation with UNESCO Headquarters and in partnership with various adult education stakeholders (UN agencies, NGOs/CSOs, Trade Unions, Corporate and Private providers), Scotland’s Learning Partnership coordinates the learners’ events surrounding CONFINTEA VI.

The conference enables learners and providers from across the world to review the position of adult education and learning within each member state, and serves as a sounding board for the most relevant and emerging political, cultural, social and economical issues in relation to adult education and development.
The Conference's 4 broad aims:

• To ensure learner, provider and policy maker involvement in the planning and programming of the world adult learning conference.
• To bring policy makers, practitioners and learners together to plan for practice sharing & policy planning.
• To develop an adult learners’ charter.
• To establish a global learners’ advocacy network.
  

Each partner is invited to participate in a workshop on the current practice of involving learners in
policy making in their own country. Learners, providers and policy makers then consider their perspectives
on the development of the learners’ voice and prepare presentations to explore issues and common themes.

Audience

The conference should be of interest to adult learners, those working in adult and community learning organisations, higher and further education, voluntary organisations, statutory organisations, trainers e.g. Local Authorities, and Local/national policy makers with an interest in Adult and Community Learning.

Preparatory Conference Programme

Tuesday 31st March

Arrival of Early Participants (from overseas)
Lunch
Welcome and introductory session
Getting to know you activities
Dinner

Wednesday 1st April

Arrival of main body of participants
Launch of Conference Day
Opening Welcome
Keynote Speaker
Lunch
Afternoon Debate
Edinburgh Castle Reception
Address by Fiona Hyslop - Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning (Scotland)
Cultural Tour

Thursday 2nd April

Scottish Parliament - visit and debate on Adult Learning
Lunch
Field Trip to an Adult Education Project
Formal Dinner - Celebrating 18 years of adult learners’ week in the UK

Friday 3rd April

Exploration of the development of an International Learners’ Charter
Lunch
Sharing of charter points to take to Confintea VI
Cultural Visits / Free Time
Dinner

Saturday 4th April

Prepare conference declaration
Plan for future work programme
Launch of global advocacy network
Sponsored Dinner