We have always believed that we are living in a very dynamic world – where change is the only constant. And we have advocated that adult learning and education plays an important role in helping individuals and communities not just adapt to the change but be part of helping to make change.
I cannot think of a more challenging time for our global adult education movement when we are confronted by what we can characterize as multiple, complex and interconnected crises – protracted conflicts; extreme poverty amidst a growing number of billionaires; rapid development of communication technologies, like AI and social media, and the accompanying spread of mis- and dis-information, the reality of exceeding 1.5 degrees Celsius of global warming, and the growth of democratically elected authoritarian governments.
However, amidst these global realities, the title of the most recent OECD Report (more commonly called PIAAC) of the Survey of Adult Skills 2023, asked the question “Do adults have the skills they need to thrive in this changing world?” And they came to an alarming conclusion – “Literacy and numeracy skills among adults have largely declined or stagnated over the past decade in most OECD countries. … Declines have been even larger and more widespread among low-educated adults.” (OECD press release, 10 Dec 2024) This is alarming because the proficiency of adults in literacy, numeracy and adaptive problem solving are “key information-processing skills that both individuals and societies need to thrive. … Skills help adults manage and embrace complexity in both private and civic spheres. Skilled adults can better navigate the modern information landscape, thereby contributing to more informed collective decision making and policy choices.” (from the Executive Summary, 10 Dec 2024)
The ICAE has always had a commitment to Transformative Learning – a commitment that has two dimensions. First, is the more recognizable role of learning for transformation – where we, as civil society organizations, deliver and advocate for learning that transforms the lives of individuals and societies, where learning helps to transform our world. The second, is often less recognizable and more challenging, that as educators and advocates we commit to transform ourselves, our educational practice, and the very organizations that support our work, to develop the capacity of our learners to effectively engage with this dynamically changing world.
2025 welcomes us with these dual challenging realities – a declining adult literacy and numeracy skills that is essential if adults are to effectively understand and navigate the complex and interconnected crises of our dynamic world.
2025 also welcomes us with the recognition that as ICAE we are ready to face these challenges. We have the global policy framework that we all worked together to achieve – the Marrakesh Framework for Action. We have strong strategic partnerships with the likes of the UNESCO, and the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL), and the Education and Academic Stakeholder Group in the UN. But more importantly we have you – our members, representing regional and national networks of educators and advocates, who are all committed and actively engaged in pursuing transformative lifelong and life wide learning.
We are counting on each one of you – together we shall learn, together we shall advocate and together we shall transform ourselves to face these challenges, and achieve a more just, equitable, healthy, gender-fair and sustainable world – for all.
