Among the various conclusions outlined in a joint statement, the ministers observed that the 21st century will be marked by major socio-economic change that will have a direct effect upon many different learning environments. Given this context, they reaffirmed their commitment to preserve excellence in teaching and research, and to guarantee equitable access to quality education. The meeting also emphasized the need to adapt educational settings to new technologies and innovations.

During the June 1 and 2 meetings, the ministers also stressed the importance of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in education, referred to as essential for “advancing quality education” in Article 6 of the joint statement produced by the meeting.

The commitment to promoting ICTs in education, reaffirmed last week in Moscow, is directly in line with conclusions reached during the 2000 G8 Summit in Okinawa, Japan, and during the World Summit on the Information Society in Tunis last November.

Translated excerpts from the article by Pascal Michaud, APP, L’infobourg, June 8, 2006