© UNESCO
Shanghai International Forum on Lifelong Learning at the Shanghai World Expo 2010
14 May 2010
In recognition of the World Expo’s status as a platform for the exchange of ideas and experiences relating to lifelong learning, UNESCO, the Shanghai Municipal People’s Government, the Chinese Society of Educational Development Strategy (CSEDS) and the Chinese National Commission for UNESCO joined forces to co-organise the International Forum on lifelong learning from 19 to 21 May, 2010 in Shanghai, China, during the World Expo 2010.
The Shanghai Forum was the first major international event to follow up on CONFINTEA VI and the Belém Framework of Action. Its aim was to strengthen the momentum for lifelong learning created by CONFINTEA VI, pursue policy dialogue for lifelong learning and capacity development in UNESCO Member States and help translate the discourse on lifelong learning into practical action for building lifelong learning systems.
The Forum brought together more than 200 participants from 35 countries from all regions and a truly remarkable group of experts from across the world, including Roberto Carneiro, Rosa María Torres, Shirley Walters, Kasama Varvarn, Manzoor Ahmed, John Daniel and Roger Boshier, all of whom have made a crucial contribution to developing learning concepts and practices within the perspective of lifelong learning.
The Forum offered a unique opportunity for practitioners, policymakers, advocates and academics alike to meet and debate the most crucial issues facing education today in a series of plenaries, thematic debates, breakaway sessions and visits to lifelong learning institutions.
During the reception dinner of the second day, Ms Irina Bokova, Director-General of UNESCO, and Mr Yuan Guiren, Minister of Education of China, addressed participants, emphasising once again the vital importance of lifelong learning in our societies. The event was a great success, much of which can be attributed to the dedication, attention to detail and strong commitment from co-organisers in China.
