Trends in adult learning and education in the Arab States: findings from the 4th Global Report on Adult Learning and Education

The UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL) prepares the Global Report on Adult Learning and Education (GRALE) every three years in order to strengthen understanding of 'where we stand' as a global community, and to address the growing need for youth and adult education. The focus of GRALE 4 is on participation, inclusion and equity in adult learning and education. The present report draws on data from GRALE 4 [report available in VOCEDplus at TD/TNC 139.288], published in 2019, to provide a regional snapshot of the progress made in adult learning and education in the Arab States between 2015 and 2018. Drawing on information from 18 Arab countries, it allows for a comparative analysis both among Arab countries and with the rest of the world.

Arab countries reported significant progress in the participation of women in adult learning and education since 2015. However, ALE access to quality non-formal education with a lifelong perspective remains underdeveloped, in particular for disadvantaged groups. The report reveals that adult learning and education in the region is strongly focused on literacy, with less attention given to other areas of adult learning, such as continuing education and professional development, and citizenship education. This suggests that, while further progress is needed in achieving basic education for all, the other dimensions of adult learning need to be given adequate attention to ensure provision that is comprehensive and relevant to the diverse needs of adult and youth learners.

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