This international conference will bring together adult learners, tutors, delegates and participants from the different UNESCO member states around the world, along with strategic partners, towards the achievement of SDG 4. The theme of the conference is “Enhancing the participation of literacy learners and tutors in literacy and lifelong learning”.

The theme focuses on the importance of the individual role in ensuring that no one is left behind. Since the adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), member states of the United Nations (UN) are committed to “leaving no one behind” in an effort to end poverty and inequality by 2030 (UN, 2015). Specifically, SDG 4 - “ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all” - is in the same spirit of leaving no one behind. The Adult Literacy Learners and Tutors Conference, which is the first of its kind in Uganda, is organized to address the issues of adult literacy learners and tutors as central tenets for effective adult learning and literacy programming.

Purpose of the Conference

The First International Adult Literacy Learners and Tutors conference will provide an important platform for policy dialogue and advocacy on adult learning and non-formal education at a global level.  Tutors, learners, donors, academia, policymakers, and researchers shall meet and share knowledge, information, and experiences on what works and what doesn’t work in the promotion of the right to education and literacy by all young people and adults. The conference is expected to generate agenda framework and points for policy advocacy for mainstreaming the voices of Adult Learners and Tutors in all efforts to achieving the Belem Framework for Action (BFA) as well as SDG 4 commitment and targets, which will contribute to the path for the 2021 CONFINTEA VII.

Specific Objectives of the Conference

The conference platform will provide the opportunity:

• for adult literacy learners, tutors and strategic partners to meet, exchange information and share experiences towards building a stronger network of allies and collaborators;
• to explore and find solutions to adult education & learning challenges so as to inform new practices and approaches;
• to undertake a review of relevant regional and global development plans to establish legal, fiscal and political commitment for engaging Adult literacy learners, Tutors and practitioners in the design and management of Adult Literacy and Education programs.