The Development Context and Visions of Lifelong Learning in Taiwan

In 2009, UNESCO proposed the theme ‘Living and Learning for a Viable Future: The Power of Adult Learning’ in Belém, Brazil in the 6th UNESCO International Conference on Adult Education (CONFINTEA VI). Further, to implement the idea of Lifelong Learning, UNESCO published the ‘Belém Framework for Action’, hoping to enhance applications of adult learning and the power of education to support mankind toward a better future. The Belém Framework for Action highlighted that adult learning and Education are valuable future investments that may lead to more fruitful outcome and more efficient society. This effect is associated with the establishment of a more democratic, peaceful, mutually-merging, productive, healthy and sustainable societies. Thus, the members of UNESCO committed to invest more than 6% GNP of their yearly budget, and they also raised the budgets simultaneously. According to the updated estimated information, by raising the average adult education level there may be 3,7% economic growth rate acceleration, and 6% of average capital income could be increased in the long-term (UNESCO 2009).