September 2002, Draft 1

The Policy Action Group on Learning (PAGL) at a Glance

What is the Policy Action Group on Learning?

• The Policy Action Group on Learning is an element of the San-Francisco-based State of the World Forum’s Commission on Globalisation. At the 2000 State of the World Forum, held concurrently with the Millennium Summit of the UN, a broad spectrum of global decision-makers and opinion leaders recognised that one of the major challenges facing human development in the new century was the impact of globalisation.  PAGL was established in December 2001by the Commission on Globalisation.
• Six Policy Action Groups have been established to examine aspects of the impact of globalisation.  PAGL is addresses the impact on learning and education systems worldwide.

What does PAGL intend to achieve?

·         In the spirit of the State of the World Forum’s credo of “transforming conversations that matter into actions that make a difference” PAGL aims to:

·         Focus strategic attention on key conceptual and policy-making issues concerning the transformation of how education and learning systems are developed and modified, as keys to progress and sustainable human development in a globalising context.

·         Convince decision makers worldwide to undertake and support practical and feasible actions necessary to ensure that all of humanity have access to systems dedicated, in the spirit of the Delors Report < http://www.unesco.org/education/pdf/15_62.pdf >, to ensuring that they may learn to be, learn to do, learn to know and learn to live together.  

Who comprises it and who leads it?

·         Participants are drawn from a global network of influential and knowledgeable partners, including:

·         UNESCO

·         The British Council

·         The Commonwealth of Learning      

·         Foro Educativo

·         Dhaka Ahsania Mission

·         Forum for African Women Educationalists

·         Kids can save the Children

·         African Network Campaign on Education for All

·         PAGL is led by :

·         Dr. Paul Cappon,  its Charirperson, is a Commissioner of the Commision on Globalisation and Executive Director of the Council of Ministers of Education of Canada

·         Mr. Michel Agnaïeff, its Secretary General, is a renowned educational administrator and the past Chairperson of the Canadian Commision for UNESCO.

What are PAGL’s key values and principles?

·         The fostering of dialogue and debate

·         A humanistic and holistic perspective to learning challenges

·         The crafting of practical advice and realistic perspectives directed to decision-makers, not just for the sake of theoretical scholarly discussion  

·         In addressing its work, PAGL has adopted a three level typology based on the following:

• A series of fundamental principles
• A reaffirmation of the centrality of the four pillars set out on the Delors Report
• A  conceptual vision of the basic characteristics of what a refreshed approach  to education and learning might constitute in the 21st century

What will it examine?

·         Based on  early examination and discussions, the following seven thematic areas have  been  selected:

i)                    Opportunities, challenges and problems of information and communications technologies

ii)                   Roles and areas of prime involvement for the private sector

iii)                 Roles, mandates and operating philosophies of major multi-lateral bodies within the UN system and among the Bretton Woods organisations

iv)                 Issues related to the relationship among learning and cultural diversity, multiculturalism, linguistic diversity and the promotion of basic human rights

v)                  The balance between “learning to be” and “learning to do”

vi)                 Opportunities and challenges about life-long learning, relationship between formal and non-formal  learning, and the roles that formal and non-formal learning can play in combating poverty

vii)               Resource requirements of the agents of the transmission of knowledge (teachers, etc), including the means by which various stakeholders can assess  results of their actions

How will it do so?

·         Thematic Working Groups with North and South leadership and representation have been established already for most of the seven areas.

·         Over the coming months Initial Discussion Papers for each thematic area will be developed which will set the opening contexts for a widespread global dialogue.

·         Practical recommendations that emphasise the conditions and factors necessary for success will be the goal.

What has happened recently?

·         In May 2002, PAGL’s introductory overall discussion paper, Putting Humanity First! was circulated and posted electronically

·         Also in May an international Steering Committee was established

·         In July, the inaugural Steering Committee meeting was held at the Canadian conference facilities of the Breuninger Foundation to set out a workplan for coming year

·         In July the first Initial Discussion Paper was released for issue iv) on cultural and linguistic diversity and human rights

What are PAGL’s plans for the immediate future?

·         The first “round table” addressing a thematic area will be hosted by the British Council in September, on the role of the private sector

·         At the December meeting of the Commision on Globalisation a second round table is to be held on issue of cultural and linguistic diversity and human rights theme. . At that time a second Steering Committee meeting is planned.

·         Early in 2003, a round table on youth issues is anticipated in Africa

·         UNESCO is looking to host a subsequent round table and Steering Committee meeting in mid-2003.

How can PAGL be contacted?

·         Information on PAGL is available at the Commision on Globalisation’s website

http://www.commissiononglobalization.org 

·         PAGL can be contacted through its Security General. Mr. Michel Agnaïeff,  agnaieffm@videotron.ca