UIL will produce an International Directory of Lifelong Learning: Policy and Research containing a mapping of the resources for policy making and research in the field of lifelong learning in Member States.

Based on need analysis, a Programme will be designed for Developing Capacities in Establishing Lifelong Learning Systems in the Developing Countries with a focus on the state of arts in the development of the concept of lifelong learning in the world and challenging issues and systematic solutions for establishing lifelong learning system. The Capacity Development Programme will be launched in the due course and capacity building workshops will be organized. Tailor-made capacity building programmes will respond to individual Member State demand for capacity building and policy formulation.

• Technical Support to Member States

UIL is providing technical support to build and strengthen capacities of Member States in the area of lifelong learning. For example, upon the request of the Uruguayan government, the Institute provided assistance to the Ministry of Education and Culture in the development of a national lifelong learning strategy, which was an input to the education reform the government was then undergoing. In addition, together with the Ministry officials, the Institute participated in a range of advocacy events (TV, radio and public events) to raise the visibility of non-formal education and to clarify the importance of a lifelong learning policy discourse. A regional meeting in November 2007 also provided an opportunity for the Institute to advocate for lifelong learning policies with the MERCOSUR countries (Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay and Uruguay).

• Sub-regional Policy Dialogue of LIFE countries on LLL

UIL supports Member States to integrate the lifelong learning perspective in literacy and Non Formal Education policies and practices. In February 2008, UIL, in collaboration with the UNESCO cluster office in Bamako and the Burkina Faso Ministry of Basic Education and Literacy, brought together key stakeholders from five West African LIFE countries (Burkina Faso, Guinea, Mali, Niger, and Senegal) to discuss ways to integrate the lifelong learning perspective in literacy and NFE policies and practices. As a follow-up of the International Policy Dialogue held in Changwon in 2007, this sub-regional meeting was an opportunity to share and disseminate the lessons learnt in effective practices towards lifelong learning.

• International Conference on Lifelong Learning 2010

As a follow-up activity of CONFINTEA VI, in view of the Shanghai World Expo 2010 (1 May-10 October, 2010), UIL will collaborate with the Asia-Europe Foundation as well as Chinese Society for Strategic Development of Education, Shanghai Education Commission, to organise an International Conference on Lifelong Learning in Shanghai, during the Expo. The preparation of the conference will formally start in 2009 and a Shanghai Declaration on Lifelong Learning will be drafted. It's hoped that this conference and the declaration will not only rekindle the ardour for the concept of lifelong learning but also provide practical guidelines for establishing a lifelong learning system.

Contact: Jin Yang