(introduction...)

The major issues concerning Education for All were researched, synthesized, documented and presented in a series of exhibits and roundtables. The purposes of this part of the programme were to: (i) develop the EFA knowledge base by analysing key cross-national issues; and (ii) promote an exchange of lessons learned within and across countries and regions of the world. Drawing upon, and in an effort to enrich, the discussion of the central ideas of the World Declaration and Framework for Action, the exhibits and roundtables utilized multi-media presentations and accelerated learning techniques to stimulate an exchange of ideas and experiences.

The programme of exhibits included 66 exhibits from around the world. These exhibits illustrated state-of-the-art EFA policies, programmes, and practices from countries, donors, NGOs and the private sector (see Annex 3 for a complete list). They highlighted, inter alia, innovative education technologies, strategies for reaching the disadvantaged, programmes ranging from child survival and development to primary school reform efforts. Most exhibits were multi-media, and the exhibit hall included a video library for continuous, individualised viewing of videos produced especially for the conference.

The programme of roundtables comprised 48 roundtable forums. There were 24 thematic roundtables analyzing major cross-national issues, ranging from education of girls and women to mobilizing support for Education for All (EFA), as well as a double session on financing EFA. There were also 24 illustrative roundtables emanating from the nine regional EFA consultations, based on actual country and regional experiences and plans for achieving EFA. (See Annex B).

The key ideas and issues emerging from the roundtables are summarised in the logical sequence of the major sections of the World Declaration: (a) the Purpose; (b) the Expanded Vision; and (c) the Requirements of Education for all.