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International education conference ends
30/10/2003
The 15th Conference of Commonwealth Education Ministers (15CCEM) ended in Edinburgh today.
Education Minister Peter Peacock welcomed success of the event which focused on Closing the Gap: Access, Inclusion and Achievement. He said that Scotland has influenced key discussions that will shape the future of Commonwealth education.
Mr Peacock said:
"As host for this major international conference, Scotland has been an international hub for education and established itself as a centre for warmth and hospitality.
"We hope delegates leave our shores with a very positive impression of not only Scotland's renowned hospitality, but also the strength of our schools, colleges and universities and our role in continuing to be at the leading edge of innovation in education world-wide.
"We have given a positive lead in many areas such as recruitment, retention and development of teachers and through our improvement framework and inspection processes. I hope the experiences ministers have had of Scottish education will help shape their own education systems.
"It has been a privilege to welcome ministers and other delegates here. I was particularly impressed to hear the views of the young people who formed a Youth Summit to debate the same issues as education ministers.
"Although we have benefited from sharing positive experiences it has been humbling to hear about some of the challenges. For example, the deepening AIDS crisis in Africa and other counties is having a devastating impact on teacher numbers and the education of millions of children is at risk.
"This is why action identified during this week's conference is vital."
Canadian Minister for Education Jake Ootes said:
"This has been a wonderful conference from the start. We have all been warmly welcomed Scotland and thank everyone involved in making this conference a success. I believe however, that the work of the conference starts as soon as we all get home. We must do our best to ensure that the voices of the young people we have heard this week are listened to and acted on."
Deputising for the Minister of Education in Malta, Nora Macelli said:
"Of particular importance were the informal discussions held with ministers of education who are in a position to provide insights into reform processes that can guide and inform the ones that my own country has embarked upon. Thank you for the warm Scottish hospitality an excellent conference organisation."
The Edinburgh CommuniquE9 and action plan is available at
www.thecommonwealth.org or www.15ccem.com
The 15th Conference of Commonwealth Education Ministers (15CCEM) was held in the Edinburgh International Conference Centre from 27-30 October 2003. Education Ministers from 52 Commonwealth countries were invited. Commonwealth Education Ministers meet every three years to discuss issues of mutual concern and interest. The last meeting was held in Halifax Nova Scotia in 2000.
The 15CCEM built on the agreements and decisions taken in earlier meetings as well as focusing on 'Closing the Gap: Access, Inclusion, and Achievement'. Ministers addressed the key issues of ensuring all children and young people have access to the highest quality education, that their education is fully inclusive and that it enables them to maximise achievement.
15CCEM also featured two further events for young people:
* A Showcase of Best Educational Practice - concentrating on the direct involvement of young people in cutting edge educational processes
* The first Education Youth Summit of the Commonwealth - to debate education issues and contribute to the final document of the 15CCEM - The Edinburgh CommuniquE9.
For further information, visit www.15ccem.com
15CCEM was supported by The Commonwealth Secretariat, The Scottish Executive, The British Council, The Foreign and Commonwealth Office, The City of Edinburgh Council, The DfES, The Welsh Assembly Government, The Department of Education Northern Ireland and the Commonwealth of Learning among others.