The aim of this report was to analyze, through a desktop audit, international trends in adult literacy policy and programs. The audit includes an examination of the significant research undertaken, and policy statements made by international institutions such as the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The study also includes a description and analysis of the adult literacy policy initiatives, frameworks and program provision, including investment levels and outcomes, in a number of countries and an analysis of the extent to which "new literacies" are being addressed in other countries. The countries selected by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) for this study are: Canada, Republic of Ireland, New Zealand, United States of America, and the United Kingdom. The report is primarily descriptive and builds a picture of available knowledge for application to the Australian situation. It is written for an Australian audience. The report covers the following topics sequentially: (1) an introduction to the study; (2) an overview of the international trends and drivers for development of adult literacy policy and programs in industrialized countries; and (3) a snapshot of development of adult literacy policy and provision in each country, including Australia. Appendix 1 provides comparative performance among countries percent of population. Appendix 2 provides these items relevant to methodology: (1) Letter to identified literacy researchers/policy-makers; (2) Themes for data collection; (3) List of recipients; and (4) Responses. [For "Building Sustainable Adult Literacy Provision: A Review of International Trends in Adult Literacy Policy and Programs," see ED493937.]