Education leaders to tackle the impact of financial crisis
EI is bringing together the most influential education union leaders and teachers at its sixth World Congress from 22-26 July in Cape Town, South Africa, to examine the challenges facing education from budget cuts; declining resources; de-professionalisation of teachers, and the rising cost of quality education for all.
During preparatory meetings ahead of the Congress and throughout the main event itself, more than 1,600 participants will use their expertise to review recent developments in education globally, and debate the best practices in recruiting, preparing and supporting teachers and other education employees to achieve quality education for all.
In a series of breakout sessions on 24 July, delegates will seek ways to protect schools from the global financial crisis and argue for using an enhanced education system as one of the key measures in rebuilding failing economies. Participants from EI’s 400 member organisations will also discuss the adoption and implementation of EI’s draft education policy paper, which sets out the fundamental elements of a quality education. It recommends policies to strengthen all levels of education around the globe while advocating for teachers’ human and trade union rights and appropriate conditions of employment.
The Congress will be opened by South Africa’s Dep. President Motlanthe, and addressed by Carol Bellamy, Chair of the US$1 billion Fast Track Initiative, among other speakers, representing the OECD, UNESCO, and other intergovernmental organisations with an interest in promoting education for all, plus fraternal trade union organisations including SADTU, SAOU, NAPTOSA, COSATU and FEDUSA.
The Congress will also set the course of EI’s work for the next four years, elect EI’s new leadership, and give two teachers international awards for their commitment to the profession and to human and trade union rights. Press credentials, the conference programme and documentation will be sent to registered media representatives in advance. To register, please complete and return the form on the right.
