This booklet, which was produced as a follow-up to the Fifth International Conference on Adult Education, examines the politics and policies of the education of adults in a globally transforming society. After a brief overview of the three-part workshop from which the booklet emerged, the following issues and challenges facing adult education within the context of global economic transformation are considered: the diminishing validity of the old paradigm of development as an endless upward path; transformation in former socialist countries; transformations in work; processes of democratization throughout the world; and erosion of the nation state. Discussed in an examination of the crucial role of adult learning in addressing the key issues confronting societies are the following topics: promoting political skills and active citizenship; networking among adult learning initiatives; new roles for adults that require higher level competencies; a broader view of adult learning; and policy strategies. The following are among the points made in the booklet's conclusion: (1) the present global transformation is far from being an equitable and sustainable development; (2) the issues confronting adult educators are structural, legislative, and distributive rather than technical or curricular; (3) local experiences should guide practice and policy; (4) sharing experiences and learning from others are increasingly important. (MN)