Recommendation on Adult Learning and Education, 2015

The Recommendation on Adult Learning and Education was adopted at the 38th Session of the UNESCO General Conference in November 2015. The Recommendation supports the Education 2030 Framework for Action, reflects global trends, and will guide the transformation and expansion of equitable learning opportunities for youth and adults. The 2015 Recommendation takes a comprehensive and systematic approach to ALE, defining three key domains of learning and skills: literacy and basic skills; continuing education and vocational skills; as well as liberal, popular and community education and citizenship skills.
It also describes five transversal areas of action: policy; governance; financing; participation, inclusion and equity; and quality. These areas of action were already introduced to the international community in the Belém Framework for Action, adopted at CONFINTEA in 2009 as a means of guiding Member States in improving ALE. This integrative and consistent approach to ALE will help Member States to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all (Sustainable Development Goal 4).