World Conference on Education for All: Meeting Basic Learning Needs - Final Report (UNICEF - UNDP - UNESCO - WB - WCEFA, 1990, 129 p.): 2. Education for All: The Context - Summary of the Opening Session: A Focus on Human Development

World Conference on Education for All: Meeting Basic Learning Needs - Final Report (UNICEF - UNDP - UNESCO - WB - WCEFA, 1990, 129 p.)

2. Education for All: The Context - Summary of the Opening Session

		(introduction...)
		A Unique Opportunity
		External Debt, Optimization of Resources
		Basic Education: Broadening the Concept
		Vision, Will, Partnerships
		A Focus on Human Development

A Focus on Human Development

The United Nations Secretary-General's message, presented by the Executive Secretary of ESCAP, emphasized the potential of the Conference for shaping future approaches to basic education and for "devising strategies for bridging the wide gap between proclaimed rights and sombre realities". This statement introduced a theme to be much stressed during the week: the renewal of a world-wide focus on human development.

The issues of literacy and basic education for all must constitute key elements of... a comprehensive approach to address the human dimension of development. This Conference is thus expected to have a substantial impact in shaping the international development strategy that will carry us into the twenty-first century.

J. Perez de Cuellar
U.N. Secretary General

Education does not work in a vacuum or in isolation from other factors that have a bearing on society.

Message of Crown Prince Hassan
Jordan