Conference

Adult Literacy and Numeracy for the 21st Century

Friday 11 December 2026

The first 25 years of this century have dramatically reframed how individuals and societies live and work. Impacted by significant political instability, dramatic cultural shifts, rapid technological development, environmental degradation, and even a global pandemic, the literacy and numeracy demands on young people and adults have intensified.

During the pandemic years, the Adult Literacy and Numeracy sector demonstrated its ability to respond rapidly to the digital and social challenges facing our learners. This response in turn accelerated the integration of digital technologies into teaching and learning.

But what about our response to other pressing 21st century challenges? What role do we play in supporting information literacy with the increasing pervasiveness of AI?

The UN Sustainability Development Goal on Quality Education highlights the importance of education that promotes social inclusion, humanistic values, and ethical responsibility. Target 4.7 aims to ensure that:

By 2030, all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including, among others, through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, global citizenship and appreciation of cultural diversity and of culture’s contribution to sustainable development.

This year's NSW ALNC conference asks participants to consider how Adult Literacy and Numeracy education can respond to these diverse challenges. Participants are encouraged to think about how their practice and/or advocacy work align with global goals for quality education for all.

Important Dates

Proposals for presentation at the Conference due 11 September 2026

Early Bird Registration closes 11 October 2026