Ibero-American Congress for Lifelong Learning and Technical Education

The Ibero-American Congress for Lifelong Learning and Technical Education was held in Asunción, Paraguay from 27to 28 September. Taking part were 25 ministers or vice-ministers and 3,000 teachers and researchers. The Congress was convened by the Organisation of Ibero-American States (OEI) in order to present and discuss its Education Strategy and Plan for Literacy and Adult and Youth Education. At a special ceremony a Memorandum of Understanding between OEI and UNESCO/UIL was signed.

In his keynote address “Youth and adult education and learning in relation to labour markets today – The CONFINTEA VI Follow-up”, UIL Director, Arne Carlsen reviewed the current global labour market. He presented CONFINTEA VI and its follow-up process, and stated that youth and adult learning and education cannot remain only a philosophy.

CONFINTEA VI signalled that now is the moment to implement policies and strategies for lifelong learning. Many regions are already moving towards this goal. Mr Carlsen emphasised that lifelong learning is needed for both economic and social development, and that UNESCO focuses as well on the need for sustainable development. In guiding and driving policies, he stressed UNESCO’s position on the importance of humanistic values and human rights.