LOC02:05
23:05 GMT
PARIS, Dec 4 (KUNA) -- UNESCO warned on Wednesday that there were alarmingly low levels of participants in adult education programmes in more than 60 countries and that disabled, migrants and minority groups are under-represented in such programmes.
In its fourth "Global Report on Adult Learning and Education", UNESCO called for more efforts to remedy the low percentage of participation in adult programmes and also warned that women and girls do not have sufficient access to education.
"In almost one-third of countries, fewer than five per cent of adults aged 15 and above participate in education and learning programmes", according to UNESCO's report.
"Adults with disabilities, older adults, refugees and migrants, minority groups and other disadvantaged segments of society are particularly under-represented in adult education programmes and find themselves deprived of crucial access to lifelong learning opportunities," it added.
The UN body said that there is a need for "a major change in the approach to adult learning and education, backed by adequate investment to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to access and benefit from adult learning and education" in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
UNESCO called on governments and the international community to join in the ongoing efforts to ensure that no one - no matter who they are or where they live or what challenges they face - is left behind in the universal right to education.
UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay called on member States to respect their commitments for programmes and boost participation levels in adult education. (end)
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