How can we make the most of the new Lifelong Learning framework provided by the SDGs to advocate for more recognition and financing for youth and adult education? This Question was in the heart of the agenda of a Policy Forum organized by ASPBAE, ICAE, UNESCO and DVV International in Bangkok 24/25 November. The event was planned as a multi-stakeholder event, bringing together more than 100 representatives from governments, UNESCO, education coalitions, CSOs active in Lifelong Learning and donor agencies to strategize and exchange about the implementation of youth and adult learning strategies and policies within the lifelong learning framework of SDG 4. Specifically, the event aimed to share and develop strategies and good practices to transform the agreed targets and indicators of youth and adult learning and education into practices and bring up systemic changes.
The Policy Forum unpacked the education goal and clarified indicators, the political context and resources needed to realize the targets related to youth and adult learning and education. The analysis of the current situation showed that unless the growing attention paid in the region to non-formal education, the main focus of governments and donor agencies is still on the formal education system, particular on primary education.
The Forum was opened by the presentation of the new UNESCO publication “Rethinking Education: towards a global common good”. The paper reaffirms the understanding of education as a human right. However, it introduces the concept of education as a common good, as a shared social endeavor. In their reaction, CSO representatives criticized this shift away from the understanding of education as a public good, as it diminishes the role and responsibility of the state to guarantee adequate education possibilities for all, lifelong and beyond only basic education.