Across the world, representatives of governments, non-governmental organisations, adult learning providers and learners have been preparing for CONFINTEA VI. The world adult education conference has been held every 12 years since the late 1940s and takes place this month in Brazil. Organised by UNESCO, CONFINTEA aims to provide a common vision for policy that can guide each member nation in shaping education services and systems that meet the needs of adults and young people in today's world. It also provides an important platform for sharing, supporting and expressing solidarity. As delegates from across the globe converge on Brazil for CONFINTEA VI, the author reflects on the emerging themes and explores why they matter to adult educators, providers and learners in the UK.