An international academic initiative promoted by Universidade do Estado da Bahia (UNEB) and the University of Cambridge, in collaboration with CLAREC, dedicated to the renewal of Paulo Freire’s legacy, popular education, dialogue with social movements, and collaborative forms of knowledge production aimed at social transformation.
The initiative brings together the Curriculum, Pedagogy and Professional Learning (CPPL) group at the Faculty of Education, University of Cambridge, and the Programa de Pós-Graduação em Educação de Jovens e Adultos (PPGEJA) and the Educação de Jovens e Adultos, Patrimônio e Saberes Locais group at the Universidade do Estado da Bahia (UNEB).
Each edition of the Dialogue brings Paulo Freire’s thought into conversation with contemporary questions concerning education, democracy, social movements, and processes of social transformation.
Two editions. One continuing initiative.
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What you need to know
An annual international initiative
The Annual Paulo Freire Dialogue is an annual international initiative dedicated to the renewal of Paulo Freire’s legacy.
The United Kingdom and Brazil
In 2026, activities will take place in Cambridge and London in the United Kingdom, and in Salvador, Brazil.
Cross-sector dialogue
Brings together universities, social movements, communities, educators, students and organisations.
A diverse programme
Combines public dialogues with academic, cultural and community-based activities.
Collaborative development
Values encounters among different experiences, territories and forms of knowledge production.
Information in motion
New activities and information will be progressively shared on this page and through the channels of CLAREC and the Cambridge University Brazilian Society (CUBS).
A history that continues
The Annual Paulo Freire Dialogue continues a trajectory built collectively by CLAREC, universities, educators, students, and social movements.
1 to 12 November 2021
I Freire Conference and the Bust of Paulo Freire
The I Freire Conference brought together activities dedicated to Paulo Freire’s thought between 1 and 12 November 2021. Within the framework of the initiative, the Landless Workers’ Movement (MST) donated a bust of Paulo Freire to the Faculty of Education, University of Cambridge.
View conference record
17 to 21 October 2022
II Freire Conference
Built in partnership with Universidade Emancipa and partner organisations, the II Freire Conference expanded upon the previous experience, articulating in-person and online activities between Cambridge and Brazil, and strengthening dialogue between popular education, the university, and various social experiences.
View the II Freire Conference
19 October 2022
Community Takeover
An experience linked to the II Freire Conference that highlighted community forms of participation and collective knowledge production.
Read about the experience
2023
Event of the Year
The II Freire Conference was recognised as Event of the Year by the Cambridge Students’ Awards 2023, highlighting its contribution to the university community and to dialogue around Paulo Freire’s legacy.
Read news
January 2024
Paulo Freire – Global Educator
The special issue “Paulo Freire – Global Educator”, published in the journal Globalisation, Societies and Education, gathered reflections on the international dimension of Paulo Freire’s thought and legacy.
View publication
October and November 2026
The Annual Paulo Freire Dialogue
In 2026, the initiative adopts a new binational configuration, articulating the UK Edition, in Cambridge and London, and the Brazil Edition, in Salvador, as a continuation of an international trajectory of dialogue, popular education, and collaborative knowledge production.
Explore the programmePaulo Freire and the challenges of our time
Paulo Freire is a foundational reference in critical educational thought and popular education internationally. His work understands education as a historical and political practice, grounded in dialogue, participation, critical reading of the world, and collective action in relation to the concrete conditions of social life.
His intellectual and political trajectory was shaped by experiences of literacy and adult education in Brazil’s Northeast and, subsequently, by his work in exile and in different contexts across Latin America, Africa, Europe and other regions. The international circulation of his ideas has made his work an important reference for debates and practices concerned with the democratisation of education, social justice, anti-racism, the struggles of social movements, cultural emancipation, and forms of knowledge production committed to transforming reality.
At the Faculty of Education, University of Cambridge, and at the Universidade do Estado da Bahia (UNEB), Paulo Freire’s thought has also informed, in recent years, experiences of dialogue, research and popular education, bringing the university into closer conversation with movements, educators and other collective actors involved in different processes of struggle and social transformation.
Explore the artist’s work →
Read about the MST initiative →
UK Edition — 2026
From 12 to 16 October 2026, the UK Edition opens the programme of the Annual Paulo Freire Dialogue with public, academic, cultural, and community activities in Cambridge and London.
Opening Event · Annual Paulo Freire Dialogue
Faculty of Education, University of Cambridge
Public launch of the new collaboration and opening of the Annual Paulo Freire Dialogue, with Lutgardes Costa Freire, from the Paulo Freire Institute, and Rosana Cebalho Fernandes, from the Landless Workers’ Movement (MST).
Esperançar Across Borders: Paulo Freire, Solidarity-Based Internationalisation, and Networked Universities
Faculty of Education, University of Cambridge
Dialogue on alternatives to competitive models of university internationalisation, focusing on solidarity, reciprocity, networks, and the public role of universities.
Rural and Urban Land Access, Education, and Political Participation
Centre of Latin American Studies (CLAS), University of Cambridge
Dialogue on land, education, and political participation with Lutgardes Costa Freire, Rosana Cebalho Fernandes, and Tereza Ribeiro.
Maracatu in the Context of Paulo Freire
Joint Services & Veterans Club, Cambridge
Conversation circle, demonstration, and participatory workshop with Maracatu Baque Trovão, in dialogue with Lutgardes Costa Freire and Rosana Cebalho Fernandes.
The programme is currently being updated
New activities in Cambridge and London will be announced soon.
Brazil Edition 2026
From 9 to 11 November 2026, the Annual Paulo Freire Dialogue comes to Salvador. The first Brazil Edition will bring together universities, communities, social movements, collectives, popular education centres, and national and international guests in a vibrant gathering.
Academic Activities
Roundtables, public lectures and working groups connecting postgraduate research with community challenges.
Open Call
Will provide an opportunity for communities, schools, universities and movements to share their experiences of popular education, either in person or online.
Territory-Based Activities
Practical experiences in local knowledge centres in Salvador, engaging with Bahia’s cultural heritage and social struggles.
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The detailed programme, submissions and registration information for the Brazil Edition will be released shortly.
Artwork by Ivan Jerônimo, 2021.
About the artwork and Ivan Jerônimo
About Ivan Jerônimo
Ivan Jerônimo is a Brazilian artist and designer born in Santa Catarina. He coordinates the UX Design area at the CERTI Foundation and holds a degree in Journalism from the Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC). His artistic practice encompasses observational drawing, illustration, and calligraphy, articulating both traditional and contemporary approaches.
Discover Ivan Jerônimo’s work
Origin of the portrait
The portrait of Paulo Freire was created by Ivan Jerônimo in 2021, derived from a recording of a lecture given by the educator. The artwork originated from a commission for Escola Básica Santo Antônio in Rodeio, Santa Catarina, and subsequently became part of the visual identity of the conferences held in Cambridge.
Historical visual identity
The artwork served as the official visual identity for the I Freire Conference (2021) and the II Freire Conference (2022), held at the University of Cambridge.
Symbol of continuity in 2026
The organising committee chose to retain the portrait as the core visual identifier for the 2026 Annual Paulo Freire Dialogue, ensuring a visual and symbolic link with the history of previous conferences.
Basis of the graphic system
The chromatic palette present within the artwork itself—particularly the tones of blue, pink, magenta, earth tones, reds, and lighter highlights—is preserved and systematised as part of the visual identity. Its colours, textures, brushstrokes, and gestural qualities guide the construction of an expressive graphic language, seeking to preserve the materiality and aesthetics of the original work while incorporating principles of accessibility, contrast, and legibility across its various applications.
Follow the Annual Paulo Freire Dialogue
The 2026 programme will continue to be updated over the coming weeks. Stay tuned for new guests, activities, participation details, and updates on the UK and Brazil editions.
Contact
For information regarding the Annual Paulo Freire Dialogue, please get in touch with the organising committee:
clarec.cam.edu@gmail.comQuem faz o Diálogo Anual Paulo Freire acontecer
O Diálogo Anual Paulo Freire é construído por uma rede de instituições, grupos acadêmicos e parceiros que contribuem para sua organização, realização e continuidade.
Organised by
Financial Support
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