International Conference on Lifelong Learning: 
Global Perspectives in Education
1-3 July 2001 Beijing, China 

jointly organized by 

the UNESCO Institute for Education (UIE), the Chinese National Commission for UNESCO, the Beijing Academy of Educational Sciences (BAES), the American Association for Adult and Continuing Education (AAACE) and the UNESCO International Research and Training Centre for Rural Education (INRULED).

Background Information
Two key international conferences, CONFINTEA V (1997) and World Education Forum (2000) have set certain benchmarks in the field of lifelong learning and adult education. While the primary responsibility for the implementation of the Dakar Framework of Action falls on national government, the challenge for 21st century lies in the collaboration of all stakeholders in the field of education. This conference is designed to provide one of the important opportunities for such stakeholders to reflect on practices and react to the challenge of putting forward some concrete recommendations. 

Objectives
The forthcoming conference is designed to:
1. Identify the current status and development trends in lifelong learning in the participating countries;
2. Analyze the challenges and opportunities for lifelong learning in the context of globalization;
3. Examine innovative approaches in adult literacy and adult basic education;
4. Review the agenda for the future of CONFINTEA V and the Dakar Framework for Action and its implications for concrete action in lifelong learning and the adult education;
5. Foster collaborative learning and partnership among students, researchers, teachers and other practitioners from different regions of the world. 

Thematic Structure
During the intensive conference, plenary sessions and parallel sessions will be organized around 4 themes as follows:

Theme1: Lifelong Learning in the 21st century
Lifelong Learning in the Age of Globalization
Eastern and Western Concepts of Knowledge and Learning 
The Role of ICTs in Lifelong Learning (How to reduce the digital and
learning divide/delay)
The Role of Partnerships in Lifelong Learning (Look at the roles played by the state, civil society and their interactions)

Theme2: The Urgent Tasks for Adult Education: Meeting Basic Learning Needs and Beyond
New Theories on Adult Learning
Gender perspectives in adult education
Innovative approaches and methods in promoting adult literacy and adult basic education for marginalized and excluded
Measuring achievement/recognizing prior learning/accreditation

Theme3: Moving Beyond Declaration: Some Concrete Measures
Development of policies and practices in the continuity life and learning experiences (Comparative analysis of policies on lifelong learning and adult education)
Improvement in statistical information and development of Indicators
Disseminating Good Practices
Partnership and Networking: Global Movements

Theme4: Innovations and New Modalities in Lifelong Learning
Case studies on innovative projects

Besides, optional sessions may well be arranged upon request.

Tentative Schedule

30 June (Sat.)
Registration 

1 July (Sun.)
08:00-08:45 Registration of local participants
09:00-10:00 Inauguration
10:00-10:30 Coffee break
10:30-12:30 Plenary session
12:30-13:30 Lunch
13:30-17:30 Plenary session
18:00-21:00 Reception by BAES

2 July (Mon.)
08:30-11:30 Concurrent sessions
11:30-13:30 Lunch
13:00-17:30 Concurrent sessions (or visits to community learning programs)

3 July (Tue.)
08:30  1:30 Concurrent sessions
11:30-13:30 Lunch
13:30-15:30 Plenary session for sharing outcomes of concurrent sessions and field trips
16:00-17:00 Closing Ceremony

4 July (Thur.)
Departure

Working Language
English is the working language. Chinese-English simultaneous interpretation will be available.

Financial Arrangements
Each participant is expected to pay a sum of 300 dollars (US) as registration fee upon registration, which covers simultaneous interpretation, material development and logistic expenses during the meeting. Accommodation charges: $50 (single, 4-star hotel) or $30 (normal hotel) per day for lodging and $30 per day for food. 

Contact Persons
All correspondence and requests for information should be directed to:

Dr. Zhang Tiedao 
Beijing Academy of Educational Sciences
7 Xichang njie Avenue
Beijing 100031
China 
Tel: 86 10 66067158
Fax: 86 10 66067150
E-mail: baes@bjedu.gov.cn

Or

Ms. Carolyn Medel-Anonuevo
Senior Research Specialist, 
UNESCO Institute for Education
Feldbrunnenstrasse 58
20148 Hamburg, Germany
Tel: 49 40 44804125      Fax: 49 40 4107723
E-mail: cmanonuevo@hotmail.com

Or

Prof. George Palamattam
AAACE
100 West Randolph Street, Suit 14-300
Chicago, IL 60601-3405
Fax: 312 814 2282
E-mail: GPALAMAT@isbe.net
 

REGISTRATION FORM