Held in Tunis on 28–29 January 2026, the regional workshop “Better ALE data for better ALE governance and policy” marked a significant milestone in the preparation of the Sixth Global Report on Adult Learning and Education (GRALE 6), scheduled for publication in 2027.

Bringing together representatives of governments, civil society organisations, experts and international partners, the workshop provided a space for in-depth dialogue on the governance of Adult Learning and Education (ALE) in the Arab region, helping to consolidate a shared understanding of regional challenges, identify lessons learned from national experiences, and outline strategic directions for improving data quality and use. Grounded in international commitments such as the Marrakech Framework for Action adopted at CONFINTEA VII and the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4, discussions highlighted the need to recognise ALE as a policy priority and a strategic investment, given its essential contribution to employability, social cohesion, resilience, civic participation and lifelong learning.

Particular attention was given to gender-sensitive approaches and to contexts of marginalisation, conflict and forced displacement. The workshop also clarified expectations regarding GRALE 6, underlining the importance of harmonised, reliable and rights-based data to support equity, transparency, accountability and evidence-based policymaking, while reaffirming the central role of civil society in the collection, validation and use of ALE data.

Exchanges on national experiences revealed both persistent structural weaknesses—such as limited institutional coordination and fragile data systems—and promising practices based on inclusive, multi-stakeholder cooperation. The workshop concluded with the identification of strategic orientations and initial operational recommendations aimed at sustainably strengthening ALE governance and data systems in the Arab region, accompanied by strong media visibility reflecting growing institutional and public interest in adult learning and education issues.