Developing UNESCO Guidelines for the recognition, validation and accreditation (RVA) of non-formal and informal learning

Making visible and valuing individuals’ real competences, in order to progress in lifelong learning, in employment and in personal development, have been the goal of the UIL programme on the recognition, validation and accreditation of non-formal and informal learning. The development of UNESCO Guidelines for the recognition of all learning outcomes as a pillar of lifelong learning was requested at the Sixth International Conference on Adult Education (CONFINTEA VI) held in Brazil in 2009, and endorsed in the Belèm Framework for Action.

As part of this process, an Expert Group Meeting was held on 13-14 October 2011 at UIL, with participants from Germany, Thailand, Jordan, Mexico and Mauritius, representing the different regions. Representatives from international and regional agencies also took part: the Association for the Development of Education in Africa (ADEA), the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Education (Cedefop) and the European Training Foundation (ETF).

 The Expert Group reviewed a synthesis report based on responses from 42 member states as well as UIL research findings. In the next few months UIL will revise the draft Guidelines and hold further consultations with member states in different regions.