One of the primary objectives of the conference was to deepen an analysis prepared by consultants of FPGL on the current state of basic education.  Other priorities included preparing a publication on worldwide education needs and determining a communication plan for international lobbying.  These concrete actions were geared at encouraging all parties to fully respect their obligations toward education. 

 

The conference took an innovative approach toward education, focusing on two hypotheses.  First, societal demand for education leads governments to allocate greater financial resources toward education, which in conjuntion with international cooperation, will lead to sufficient and sustainable growth.  Second, societal demand for education, together with government support, can make education a real political priority.

 

An array of civil society members, academics and policymakers from Afica, Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, France and elsewhere brought diverse perspectives and high levels of expertise to the conference discussions.  Yousouf Cissé, from AEA Africa, was among the roughly twenty other participants and experts in education.

 

The conference also presented the opportunity to launch an international council on the future of basic education.