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Commonwealth conference coming to Edinburgh
13/11/2002
A prestigious international education conference to be
held in Edinburgh next year will focus on 'access,
inclusion and achievement', Education Minister Cathy
Jamieson announced today.
The 15th Conference of Commonwealth Education Ministers
(15CCEM) will bring together Education Ministers,
academics, teachers, parents and young people
from Commonwealth countries.
Launching the 15CCEM conference website at Edinburgh's
Usher Hall, one of the venues, Ms Jamieson said:
"I am delighted that Edinburgh will host this important
international educational forum on behalf of the UK.
"It will be an invaluable way of learning from other
countries, sharing good practice and discussing new and
innovative ways to improve education.
"All children and young people, whatever their
background, should be able to participate fully in
education. We must ensure all young people have access to
education because it is one of the basic routes out of
poverty, and a fundamental right to all in a just
society.
"We look forward to welcoming the Commonwealth's
Education Ministers to Scotland, as well as teachers,
parents and in particular children. 15CCEM will also help
to promote Scotland as a tourist destination and build an
understanding of other cultures, as well as giving young
people the opportunity to meet and develop their potential
as active citizens."
Commonwealth Secretary-General Don McKinnon said:
"This meeting will provide a unique forum for
Commonwealth Education Ministers. It will allow them to
discuss strategies aimed at opening the doors of learning
for every child in the Commonwealth and providing the
opportunities they need to fulfil their potential and play
their full part in the future of their communities.
"Demands in the Commonwealth for education have never
been greater - Commonwealth children cannot be left
behind."
Department for Education and Skills Secretary of State
Charles Clarke said:
"The themes of access, inclusion and achievement are
central to the UK's agenda for educational reform as well
as being relevant to the whole Commonwealth. We are keen to
share experience with our partners in the Commonwealth. I
hope this is going to be the best conference yet and one
which all countries involved gain a great deal of value
from."
Welsh Minister for Education and Life-Long Learning Jane
Davidson said the conference's website (
www.15ccem.com) will
prove to be an important resource.
"The website will put the window of the world on the
Commonwealth. It provides an opportunity for everyone in
education from ministers, academics, teachers, parents and
most importantly the young people to share ideas,
experiences and examples of best practice across the
Commonwealth.
"The interactive site will be updated daily and will
hold details on each Commonwealth country, along with
information on each education minister with newsletters and
competitions issued regularly, in preparation for the
conference. Modern technology means today's Commonwealth is
truly on our doorstep."
Minister of State with responsibility for education in
Northern Ireland Jane Kennedy said she was delighted that
the Conference would provide an opportunity for
educationalists and young people from all over the UK to
participate in and contribute to the proceedings of this
important event.
15CCEM will be held at Edinburgh International
Conference Centre from Monday October 27 to
Thursday October 30, 2003. Education Ministers
from Commonwealth countries will be invited to the
three-yearly event. The last meeting was held in Halifax
Nova Scotia in 2000.
15CCEM will build on the agreements and decisions taken
in the earlier meetings as well as focussing on 'Closing
the Gap: Access, Inclusion, Achievement'. Ministers will
address 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 includes a Parallel Symposium from a wide range
of Commonwealth educators to address the more technical
aspects of the topics being discussed by Ministers as well
as delivery, diversity and leadership.
15CCEM will also feature two events at the Edinburgh's
Usher Hall to encourage young people's participation and
enjoyment:
- A showcase of best practice - concentrating on the
direct involvement of young people in cutting edge
educational processes
- The first Commonwealth Education Youth Summit - to
debate education issues and contribute to the final
document of the 15CCEM - The Edinburgh Communiqué