The international survey on "Recognition of Prior Learning and Experience", initiated by the French National Commission for UNESCO and entrusted to the UNESCO Institute for Education, received unanimous support at the 33rd session of the UNESCO General Conference by the Member States and by the new Assistant Director-General of Education, Dr. Peter Smith.

UIE is now supposed to deepen and extend this international research programme. It was agreed that some of the general objectives of the in-depth survey were to establish an observatory; to develop UIE as the resource centre for ins titutional, policy and capacity-building in the area of Recognition of Prior Learning and Experience; to promote the cooperation between the private and public spheres; and to clarify and elaborate the terminologies used in the context of different Member States. In 2006 UIE will begin the implementation of an observatory focused on Africa.

An international seminar for the African region is planned for 15 November 2006. The primary aim is to promote awar eness among all stakeholders, both private and public, on the possibilities and potentials of recognition of prior learning by comparing models and practice.

UIE will prepare a list of experts and political actors to be contacted for the study and a concept paper as well as terms of reference for countries in Africa. In addition, UIE will also collate background information and statistical data on the selected countries in collaboration with the UNESCO Institute for Statistics and other relevant agencies.

Together with CÉREQ (Centre d´Études et de Recherches sur les Qualifications) in Marseille and other organisations an analytical bibliographical survey for Africa will be prepared.

Source: UIE News