In 2025, Botswana took centre stage in open learning when Gaborone hosted the Eleventh Pan-Commonwealth Forum on Open Learning (PCF11). Co-hosted by the Ministry of Higher Education and Botswana Open University, the Forum brought together more than 400 participants from 44 Commonwealth countries to explore new pathways for open and distance learning and a more inclusive, resilient and sustainable future.
The resulting Gaborone Statement, endorsed by Education Ministers at PCF11, set out seven collective actions for the Commonwealth, spanning inclusive and digital learning, skills for work, and stronger education systems.
Today, COL celebrates Botswana's leadership and its growing contribution to making education more open, flexible and responsive, at home and across the Commonwealth.
On #InternationalTranslationDay, we celebrate the translators, interpreters and language professionals who help make knowledge accessible across languages and communities.
While translated learning resources can improve access, they also need to reflect local cultures, contexts, knowledge and lived experiences to be truly relevant.
COL’s new Knowledge Series publication, Localisation of Open Educational Resources: Considerations for Educators and Educational Institutions, by Professor Lynne Bowker and Dr Jako Olivier, explores how OER can be adapted to become more meaningful and inclusive.
The Commonwealth of Learning is inviting Expressions of Interest to co-host the Twelfth Pan-Commonwealth Forum on Open Learning (PCF12) in 2028.
Held every three years, PCF convenes ministers, education leaders, researchers and practitioners to exchange evidence and experience, strengthen partnerships, and advance policy and practice in open, distance, flexible and technology-enabled learning.
Open to proposals from Commonwealth countries, small states and institutional hosts, including expressions submitted through consortia, co-hosting offers an opportunity to showcase innovation, expand international networks, and help shape conversations on the future of education and skills.
The deadline to submit your Expressions of Interest is 30 November 2026. Learn more: www.col.org/news/pcf12-eoi/
In 2025, Botswana took centre stage in open learning when Gaborone hosted the Eleventh Pan-Commonwealth Forum on Open Learning (PCF11). Co-hosted by the Ministry of Higher Education and Botswana Open University, the Forum brought together more
On #InternationalTranslationDay, we celebrate the translators, interpreters and language professionals who help make knowledge accessible across languages and communities.
While translated learning resources can improve access, they also need to reflect local cultures,
