Conference in Paris, France
18 October 2007
Ministers of Education from over 80 countries will meet in Paris on 19 to 20
October to examine how education influences economic development and alleviates
poverty. The Roundtable will take place during the 34th session of United
Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) General
Conference (16 October to 3 November) and within the framework of the United
Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), the first of which is to eradicate
extreme poverty and hunger.
The Roundtable will focus on four main themes: the right to education and
the right to development; the direct and indirect contributions of education to
economic growth; education and sustainable development; and partnerships for
education and economic development. Emphasis will be placed on the ethical
dimension in considering how education can contribute not only to economic
growth but also to equitable economic development by reaching the "unreached".
Investment in quality education - ensuring that students actually learn - will
be at the centre of all debates as the key to success.
The 2007 Round Table will identify proven public policies and good practices
especially with respect to the poor, marginalised and disadvantaged, strengthen
global consensus and provide a platform for greater cooperation in education
and support for quality education.
Enquiries:
Lunga Ngqengelele
Ministerial Spokesperson
Tel: 012 312 5538
Cell: 082 566 0446
E-mail: Ngqengelele.l@doe.gov.za
Issued by: Ministry of Education
18 October 2007
