The Fifth International Conference on Adult Education (CONFINTEA V), held in 1997, looked ahead to the world’s transition to the new millennium by identifyin adult learning as a key to the twenty-first century.

In 2003, the UNESCO Institute for Education moved resolutely forward towards changing its status from that of a German foundation to becoming a full-fledged international institute. This change of status is not simply a legal matter. It implies much more: a transformation of identity, of spirit and of responsibility.

Many adult learning stakeholders, UIE’s partners and Governing Board, and UNESCO have repeatedly stressed the need for a strategic plan for the work of the Institute. Priority issues, major areas of concern and requests for intervention in the search for sustainable solutions have emerged from a systematic needs assessment carried out by UIE and other partners. They have emerged also from demands expressed strongly in various ways by Member States and representatives of NGOs and CSOs. All of this has resulted in a clear mandate for UIE from UNESCO and the international community.

Grasping the breadth of learning festivals around the world poses a real challenge. This alone is a good sign because it indicates that the scope and wealth of activities carried out globally to celebrate and motivate learners are immense. International Adult Learners Week embraces them all, be they adult learners Weeks or Lifelong Learning Days, Learning Festivals, or Literacy Weeks.

Youth and adult education (Educación de Personas Jóvenes y Adultas – EPJA) is frequently given a low priority on governmental agendas, which are sometimes forced to prioritize scarce resources and thus limit their areas of action to the standard education system.