Ei-iE

The Third World Congress of Education International, meeting in Jomtien, Thailand, from 25 to 29 July, 2001:

1. Expresses solidarity with the affiliated trade unions (NNTA and NTA) and the Nepalese people following the assassination of the royal family;

2. Regrets having been forced to transfer the venue of the present World Congress from Kathmandu to Jomtien for obvious security reasons, which continue to apply, and having thus missed the opportunity of showing to the global community of trade union educators the economic, social and cultural reality of a country seeking development;

3. Stresses that contemporary history shows that development always goes hand in hand with the democratic and transparent functioning of governmental institutions, to which the population and democratic organisations of civil society must adhere, and that guerilla practices most often delay any possibility of development, owing to the hesitations of potential investors, amongst others;

4. Recognises the struggle against poverty which prevents many Nepalese children from participating in formal schooling;

The Third Education International World Congress:

5. Requests that the Nepalese government and the organisations part of or supporting the guerilla find a political solution to the present conflict, so that the country returns to peace and stability, which are prerequisites to any development;

6. Requests that NNTA and NTA promote an education in favour of civil peace and democracy in a context of social justice. Only political and democratic stability can protect the rights of Nepalese teachers including their personal safety, ensure freedom for Nepalese communities, improve the economic conditions for the citizens of Nepal and promote unity and social justice;

7. Requests the Executive Board to take the appropriate initiatives by the next Congress, in collaboration with the Nepalese authorities, international institutions and organisations of the Nepalese society, to promote education for all and to campaign against illiteracy in the framework of the Global Campaign for Education, in order to help reduce poverty.