On behalf of the International Council for Adult Education (ICAE) we wish to share the very sad news that Paul Belanger, ICAE President (2000-2011) passed away peacefully on 31 January 2025 in Canada. Paul had a huge influence to all facets of adult learning and education (ALE). We recall him as strong advocate for the recognition of the valuable role of civil society organisations, not just in the delivery of ALE, but in policy formulation at all levels. His advocacy has helped to sustain the engagement and meaningful contribution of the ICAE to the global ALE policy frameworks, like the Hamburg Declaration (1997), the Belem Framework for Action (2009) and the Marraksh Framework for Action (2022), all outcomes of the CONFINTEA processes. He will be missed, but his legacy will continue to live on.
We wish to share the reflections of Alan Tuckett, ICAE President (2011-2015)
Paul was such a huge presence in my time in adult education. His vision, grounded in the right to adult learning of all kinds, his generosity of spirit, his scholarship and political grip, his diplomatic skills and infectious enthusiam all made him the perfect co-ordinator of CONFINTEA V, and later a key leader in revitalising ICAE. For me he was mentor, colleague, and friend. He leaves a hole it will be hard to fill and a legacy to inspire us all.
We invite you to read the tribute to Paul on the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning website.
https://www.uil.unesco.org/en/articles/memoriam-paul-belanger
Details of the funeral can be found here.
https://www.dignitymemorial.com/fr-ca/obituaries/montreal-qc/paul-belanger-12227424
