About the Pan-Commonwealth Forum on Open Learning

COL’s Pan-Commonwealth Forum on Open Learning (PCF) is held triennially. It is co-hosted with different partners in different regions of the Commonwealth. The programme is designed to explore applications of open and distance learning in widening educational access, bridging the digital divide, and advancing the social and economic development of communities and nations at large. The Forum’s focus is on topics relating to developing countries and participation of practitioners from these countries.

The Asa Briggs Lecture honours the founding Chairman of the Board of Governors of COL and distinguished British historian, the late Rt. Hon. Lord Briggs of Lewes, who was instrumental in COL’s establishment and is delivered at each of these events by a distinguished Commonwealth figure. 

COL’s Honorary Fellows and Excellence in Distance Education Awards (EDEA) are also presented at the Forum.