Based in Vancouver, Canada, the Commonwealth of Learning (COL) is an intergovernmental organisation promoting the development and sharing of open learning/distance education knowledge, resources and technologies.
The COL helps citizens in Commonwealth developing countries, including the Pacific, to improve their access to education and training.
Australia re-joined COL in 2012, with AusAID providing Australia's voluntary contribution for the next two years. A review of COL's performance in 2014 will inform a future funding decision.
In addition to AusAID, the Department of Industry, Innovation, Science, Research and Tertiary Education and the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations are engaged on the policy elements of COL's work.
Australia is in the process of identifying a nominee to represent it on the COL Board.