This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Education is Scotland's 'strategy for the future'
06/09/2006
Knowledge and skills are the best way to enhance Scotland's competitive advantage over the next 20 years, MSPs were told at the Scottish Parliament today.
Opening a debate on Scotland's Future, First Minister Jack McConnell said only an educated population could respond to the challenges and opportunities that would arise in a world of global uncertainty.
He said he wanted Scotland's education system to be the best in the world by 2020.
"Learning is Scotland's strategy for the future because it changes lives, lifts people out of poverty, widens horizons and it will make our small nation stronger in a difficult and challenging world."
Read the full text of the FM's speech