Delegates will explore the contribution of open and distance learning to international development goals by opening up access to learning at every level. Sub-themes are social justice, community development, skills development, and formal education.

Keynote and featured speakers include:

• The Honourable Dr. Shashi Tharoor (Asa Briggs Lecture), Member of the Indian Parliament, social rights advocate and author, former United Nations Under-Secretary General for Communications and Public Information, and former Indian Minister of State for External Affairs;
• Professor Anuwar Ali (Community Development keynote), President and Vice-Chancellor, Open University Malaysia;
• Professor Steve Maharey (Formal Education keynote), President and Vice-Chancellor, Massey University, New Zealand;
• Dr. Caroline Seelig (Skills Development keynote), Chief Executive, The Open Polytechnic of New Zealand;
• Ms. Chetna Gala Sinha (Social Justice keynote), Founder/Chair, Mann Deshi Foundation (Mann Deshi Business School), Maharashtra, India.

The biennial Forum brings together practitioners, researchers, planners, and policy makers in the fields of open and distance learning and development from over seventy countries. It provides opportunities to share experience and expertise, and to contribute to future policy and provision. Participants represent international institutions and agencies active in the field, including funding bodies and technology providers.

In addition to COL and IGNOU, other PCF6 sponsors include the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID), UNESCO, the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS, India), The Open University (UK), and the University of London. Sponsorship funds are directed entirely to travel subsidies for over 100 delegates from Commonwealth developing countries - none of whom have received funding from COL in the past to attend a PCF - and ensure that there is representation from as many member states as possible.