King Mohammed VI Calls to Set Up ‘African Institute for Lifelong Learning’

Rabat – King Mohammed VI called today for the creation of the “African Institute for Lifelong Learning” during the 7th UNESCO International Conference on Adult Education (CONFINTEA VII) in Marrakech.

In a message read on his behalf by Morocco’s Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch, the Moroccan monarch said that Morocco’s hosting of theUNESCO conference should serve to further strengthen south-south cooperation in the field of adult and lifelong learning.

King Mohammed VI highlighted that the African Institute “will be a regional capacity-building center for regional stakeholders, institutions and organizations operating in the field of lifelong learning.”

The institute will allow the exchange of experiences as well as the sharing of knowledge and expertise in the field, especially at the continental level, added the royal statement.

The monarch also lauded the distinguished cooperation and partnerships between Morocco and UNESCO, reaffirming the kingdom’s commitment to further contribute to the development of the scientific, educational, and cultural fields.

For the King, the international conference is also an opportunity to evaluate the achievements of African countries in the educational field.

The African Institute, whose mission will be in line with the UN’s sustainable development goals (SDGs), is set to target policy makers, practitioners, presidents of non-governmental organizations, and researchers. One of its primary goals would be to evaluate public policies on lifelong learning on the continental level.

King Mohammed VI also called for the adoption of a new framework for action, entitled “Marrakech Framework for Action” to develop adult learning and education for the upcoming decade.

The document, which should outline a clear roadmap for the next 12 years, said the monarch, will cement the commitments of UNESCO Member States to shape the future of adult learning and education into the next decade.

Morocco also unveiled plans to create a post-CONFINTEA VII interministerial commission, which will meet annually and ensure the effective implementation of all the recommendations of the conference.

Themed “Adult learning and education for sustainable development – A transformative agenda,” the intergovernmental conference is held from June 15 to 17 to discuss policy dialogue on adult learning and education and related research and advocacy.