Save the date: Seventh International Conference on Adult Education (15-17 June 2022)

Start: Jun 15 2022

End: Jun 17 2022

Timezone: Africa/Algiers

UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning

Marrakech

Morocco

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Save the date: Seventh International Conference on Adult Education (CONFINTEA VII)
‘Adult learning and education for sustainable development –
A transformative agenda’

15 to 17 June 2022, Marrakech, Morocco

Stakeholders from across the globe will come together from 15 to 17 June 2022 for the Seventh International Conference on Adult Education (CONFINTEA VII), hosted by UNESCO in cooperation with the Government of Morocco.

Under the theme ‘Adult learning and education for sustainable development – A transformative agenda’, over 1,000 conference participants will examine – in person and online – the challenges and achievements that have taken place in adult learning and education (ALE) since CONFINTEA VI (2009). The event will also be an opportunity to explore effective ALE policies within a lifelong learning perspective and within the framework of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Participants will also adopt a new framework for action, which will guide countries’ efforts to promote ALE over the next decade.

Government representatives, observers from UN organizations, civil society agents, social partners, representatives from the private sector, educators and learners will be among the conference participants.

We invite you to follow this newsletter over the coming months to receive updates on CONFINTEA VII preparations, and we look forward to welcoming many of you in Marrakech for the conference!

CONFINTEA VII website
The CONFINTEA VII website provides the latest information about CONFINTEA VII, including the draft conference programme, outcome documents of the CONFINTEA VII regional preparatory meetings and background resources.

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‘Adult education is key to transforming our future. Given technological and social changes, the right to education must mean enabling each person, throughout life, to acquire the knowledge and skills needed to realize their potential and live with dignity. The Seventh International Conference on Adult Education will be a key moment. I thank the Kingdom of Morocco for its outstanding support for UNESCO's work.’

Audrey Azoulay
UNESCO Director-General

‘It is an honour for the Kingdom of Morocco to host CONFINTEA VII.The organization of this conference in Morocco – a crossroads of civilizations and a melting pot of cultures – confirms the Kingdom’s resolution to open its doors to the international community and reaffirms its commitments to adult education and lifelong learning.’

H.E. Mr Chakib BENMOUSSA,
Minister of National Education, Preschool and Sports, Morocco

Conference host country agreement signed
Audrey Azoulay, UNESCO Director-General, and Chakib Benmoussa, Minister of National Education, Preschool and Sports, Morocco, announced today that Morocco will host the Seventh International Conference on Adult Education (CONFINTEA VII), co-organized with UNESCO, from 15 to 17 June 2022 in Marrakech.

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Discover the draft CONFINTEA VII programme!
The CONFINTEA VII programme includes a ministerial panel, the launch of the fifth Global Report on Adult Learning and Education (GRALE 5), and plenary sessions on topics including literacy, climate action, the future of work, digital environments and the right to lifelong learning. In addition, workshops organized by a wide range of stakeholders will be held to address key topics for the future development of ALE.

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In one-third of countries worldwide, fewer than 5% of adults aged 15 and above participate in education and learning programmes.

Fourth Global Report on Adult Learning and Education

Adult education matters!
A rapidly developing world does not allow for learning to finish with the end of compulsory or higher education. It requires lifelong learning. A core component of lifelong learning is adult learning and education, which ensures that adults participate not only in the world of work but in society as a whole. It is essential to the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals and plays a significant role in tackling current and future skills challenges, as well as in supporting personal development and social cohesion.

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CONFINTEA VII blog series

Now more than ever, we must defend our right to education
"Adult education is about more than learning", argues António Nóvoa, former Permanent Representative of Portugal to UNESCO, in his UIL blog which is the first in a series ahead of the Seventh International Conference on Adult Education (CONFINTEA VII).

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