'UIL has played an important role in the international Recognition, Validation and Accreditation of Non-formal and Informal Learning (RVA) agenda since 2004, when UNESCO’s General Conference entrusted UIL with conducting and disseminating research and practice on RVA, on an international scale.

The Synthesis Report on Recognition, Validation and Accreditation is a collation of the UIL (formerly UIE) survey of recognition, validation and certification policy, practice and challenges in 36 countries, conducted in 2004. The analysis of data produced an important typology for comprehending diverse RVA practices that takes into account the reference points for recognition in different countries.'