Why we need a World Education Forum

15 Nov 2009

There is a World Economics Forum, held each year in Davos. There is also a World Environment Forum. No-one doubts that the environment and the economy are critical global issues.

But while national governments put great stress - and invest political capital - in education, why is it so rarely seen as a key global issue. After all there are major issues in education around the world, ranging from the millions of children who are still denied basic education to questions about how we educate young people for a world in which they will have to be global employees and citizens.

So there is a need for a forum in which educators, academics, NGOs, governments, and other experts can share ideas and set common priorities.

And it may be that this vacuum is about to be filled. The Qatar Foundation has come up with the idea of a World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE). It opens tomorrow here in Doha.

The key to its success, though, will be whether it can go beyond being a mere talking shop and come up with some solid, practical ideas for future action to inform the many players in education around the world.

In some areas of education (university provision, for example) transnational provision is growing fast. But what are the implications for equity and equality? Will the strong get stronger or will international cooperation raise standards all round.

There are some tough questions - lets see if Doha and WISE can come up with some answers.

Further reports here as the event unfolds - and look out for the Final Declaration at: http://www.wise-qatar.org/

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