Education 2030 Framework for Action has been adopted

The Education 2030 Framework for Action (FFA) "Towards inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong learning for all", provides guidance to countries for the implementation of the new Sustainable Development Goal 4, SDG4, Education 2030 agenda. It aims to mobilize all stakeholders around the new global education goal and targets, and proposes ways of implementing, coordinating, financing and reviewing the 2030 education agenda—globally, regionally and nationally—to guarantee equal educational opportunity for all.

Following an unprecedented consultative process, the Framework for Action was adopted at Education 2030 High-Level Meeting which was held at UNESCO, Paris, France on 4 November 2015, in connection with the 38th UNESCO General Conference. It was adopted by more than 70 Ministers, representatives of Member States, the United Nations, multilateral and bi-lateral agencies, civil society, regional organizations, the teaching profession, academia, youth and the private sector.

The essential elements of the Framework for Action were agreed upon at the World Education Forum in Incheon, Republic of Korea, in May 2015. The resulting Incheon Declaration represents the firm commitment of countries and the global education community to a single, education agenda—Education 2030—that is holistic, ambitious, inclusive and aspirational. The Declaration entrusts UNESCO, as the United Nations’ specialized agency for education, to continue its mandated role to lead and coordinate the Education 2030 agenda.

Target 3, point 43, of the Framework for Action, relates specifically to online, open and flexible higher education.

‘A well-established, properly-regulated tertiary education system supported by technology, Open Educational Resources (OERs) and distance education modalities can increase access, equity, quality and relevance, and narrow the gap between what is taught at tertiary education institutions and what economies and societies demand. The provision of tertiary education should be progressively free, in line with existing international agreements.’

ICDE has been an active contributor to the policy process of 2015.

This year, ICDE helped to influence the discussion through two policy forums organised in partnership with UNESCO.

UNESCO, in partnership with ICDE, organised the Global High Level Policy Forum in Paris in June 2015. Prior to the forum, UNESCO commissioned ICDE prepare a background document by surveying the forum participants. During the forum, which ran for three days, 200 higher education leaders and government representatives discussed the theme 'Online, Open and Flexible Higher Education for the Future We Want: From Statements to Action: Equity, Access, and Quality Learning Outcomes'. As a result, the Paris Message was produced with 18 calls to action for governments, higher education institutions, teachers, students and intergovernmental organisations.

ICDE, in partnership with UNESCO, Commonwealth of Learning and Open Education Consortium, organised the High Level Policy Forum in Pretoria in October 2015. The 130 participants, again which included higher education leaders and government representatives, discussed the theme 'Online, Open and Flexible Higher Education for the Future We Want: From Statements to Action: Equity, Access, and Quality Learning Outcomes’. The purpose of the forum was to give voice to the regions.

United Nations adopts the Sustainable Development Goals

In September 2015, the United Nations Sustainable Development Summit Member States formally adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, committing ‘to providing inclusive and equitable quality education at all levels - early childhood, primary, secondary, tertiary, technical and vocational training’ and underscoring that all people ‘should have access to lifelong learning opportunities’. The Agenda comprises a set of 17 bold, global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Recognizing the important role of education, it includes a strong goal on education (SDG 4), encapsulating Education 2030.