This report on adult education in the organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) member countries is primarily intended for policymakers but is also designed for use by professional adult educators and others concerned in developing the full potential of adult education as a service to the individual and society. Content is in eight sections. Section 1 briefly introduces the report's main theme: The provision of a well-endowed, nationwide adult education service has become an essential policy requirement in all modern societies. Section 2 assesses the present status of adult education and reveals gaps in national and local provisions. The third section discusses definitions of adult education, individual and collective learning needs, and the reachability of underprivileged adults. Issues and problems that arise in developing a comprehensive public adult education service are raised in section 4, which also analyzes the essential components of such a service with particular reference to structural factors. Section 5 analyzes the interrelationships between adult education on the one hand, and the formal education system and the world of work on the other, and section 6 discusses resources, including financial policies, support for nongovernmental agencies, and participants' fees. Section 7 discusses practical measures to widen access to adult learning opportunities. Four alternative future adult education policy options for OECD member countries are presented in the final section. (EM)