The International Council for Open and Distance Education, or ICDE, is a global membership organisation in the field of open and distance education,^[1] and in formal consultative relations with UNESCO.^[2] It was founded in 1938 in Canada as the International Council for Correspondence Education.^[2] ICDE conducts world conferences on open and distance education on alternate years. Regional conferences are held more frequently.^[2] ICDE does not provide educational accreditation to its members. Its website states: "Claims that ICDE provides institutional accreditation or the unauthorized use of the ICDE logo on websites or marketing materials is strictly prohibited and will result in withdrawal of membership."^[3] ICDE includes national organizations, such as the University Continuing Education Association (UCEA) in the United States, which provides "cross-disciplinary perspectives and strategies" related to adults and non-traditional students looking for continuous learning opportunities.^[4]