CONFINTEA VI was preceded by five Regional Preparatory Conferences, whose programmes were designed in relation to the overall thematic focus and adapted to the respective regional contexts.

The Regional Conferences discussed and validated the respective Regional Synthesis Reports (based on national reports on the development and state of adult learning and education), identified the key issues on adult learning and education in the region, and suggested key recommendations for adult learning and education to be taken forward to CONFINTEA VI.

The following Regional Preparatory Conferences took place:

• For Latin America and the Caribbean: 10 - 13 September 2008 in Mexico City (Mexico)
• For Asia and the Pacific: 6 - 8 October 2008 in Seoul (Republic of Korea)
• For Africa: 5 - 7 November 2008 in Nairobi (Kenya)
• For Europe and North America and Israel: 3 - 5 December 2008 in Budapest (Hungary)
• For the Arab States: 5 - 7 January 2009 in Tunis (Tunisia)