Commonwealth of Learning (COL) convenes the Pan-Commonwealth Forum on Open Learning (PCF) every three years in partnership with a co-hosting institution, consortium or ministry in a Commonwealth country. PCF is COL’s flagship international forum for advancing policy and practice in open, distance, flexible and technology-enabled learning. It brings together ministers and senior government officials from Commonwealth countries; leaders of universities and other educational institutions; public agencies; researchers; practitioners; development partners; civil-society organisations; and other stakeholders committed to expanding equitable access to quality education and training.

Ministerial participation is an important and distinctive feature of PCF. A Ministerial Forum or equivalent high-level policy dialogue allows ministers from Commonwealth countries to consider shared educational priorities, exchange national and regional experiences, and identify how open and flexible learning can contribute to national development and Commonwealth cooperation.

PCF11 was held in Gaborone, Botswana, during the week commencing 8 September 2025, in partnership with Botswana’s Ministry of Higher Education and Botswana Open University. The programme included two pre-conference days and two full conference days. The event welcomed more than 400 participants from 44 Commonwealth Member States and featured 12 pre-event workshops, 200 scholarly papers, 50 poster, panel and workshop sessions, and plenary keynote addresses.

PCF also provides a platform for:

• policy dialogue and institutional leadership;
• the presentation and discussion of research;
• the exchange of applied practice and innovation;
• professional and institutional networking;
• an exhibition or “Market Place” showcasing institutions, partners and innovations;
• pre-Forum workshops and capacity development;
• media opportunities to showcase innovations, partnerships and the impact of open learning;
• regional and international partnerships; and
• the presentation of COL’s Honorary Fellowships.

For more information about the event series, visit www.col.org/about/pan-commonwealth-forum.

COL welcomes proposals from Commonwealth countries, small states and institutional hosts, including proposals submitted through consortia. Applicants will be assessed on the overall strength of the proposed delivery arrangement. This may include the lead institution’s capacity; contributions from consortium members; the experience of named personnel or specialist partners; and capacity that can reasonably be strengthened or mobilised with COL’s support.

The selected co-host will receive a dedicated capacity-support package from COL. This will include joint planning support, implementation tools and readiness reviews, and, where appropriate, assistance in establishing an arrangement for a professional conference organiser or equivalent specialist support. Capacity needs identified candidly in the full bid will not, by themselves, disadvantage a submission.

Expression of Interest process

COL may hold an online information session for prospective applicants or arrange individual briefing sessions, depending on initial discussions before the November EOI deadline. These sessions will provide an opportunity to ask questions about the purpose of PCF12, eligible co-hosting arrangements, the application process, COL’s anticipated contribution and the proposed selection stages.

You may also submit questions about the EOI by email to pcf12@col.org.

EOIs must be submitted electronically to pcf12@col.org by 12 noon Pacific Time (Vancouver, Canada) on Monday, 30 November 2026.

The email subject line should read: “PCF12 EOI: [Name of Lead Applicant, Country]”.

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to submit a full bid by 31 January 2027, with a decision and announcement expected by 1 March 2027.