The date for the CONFINTEA International Conference in Brazil has now been fixed for 19-22 May 2009. The proposed motto of the conference is "Living and Learning for a Viable Future: the Power of Adult Learning".

In line with standard procedures the list of invitees has been submitted to the Executive Board of UNESCO for adoption in its spring session from 1-17 April 2009. The most prominent invitees are representatives of member states, but the list also includes a large number of international organisations. These include UN organisations and agencies, intergovernmental and nongovernmental organisations and networks, and foundations and bilateral organisations active in the field of adult learning and education. Invitation letters will be sent out once the list has been approved.

Meanwhile, most of the dates for the regional preparatory meetings have now been set. The cycle of meetings will begin with Latin America and the Caribbean in Mexico from 10-13 September 2008. To facilitate synergies, especially regarding literacy as a focus area of CONFINTEA, this conference will be combined with the Regional Conference for Global Literacy, a UNESCO initiative in support of the UNLD and LIFE. From 14-16 October 2008 the Asian Preparatory Conference will take place in the Republic of Korea, followed by the African meeting in November. From 3-6 December 2008 the European Preparatory Conference will be held in Hungary. Finally, the meeting for the Arab region will take place in January in Tunisia.