Paris, June 14 {No.2000-58} - The presentation of a joint UNESCO/World Bank report, Higher Education in Developing Countries, Perils and Promise, took place today during the Meeting of Higher Education Partners at UNESCO with representatives of international and inter-governmental organisations, the private sector and non-governmental organisations.

As he presented the report, UNESCO Director-General Koïchiro Matsuura declared: “Both UNESCO and the World Bank have been engaged in reflection and collaboration on the renewal of higher education for many years. […] We share the same hopes for the impact that this report will have among all the stakeholders in higher education.”

Mr Matsuura said there was a growing awareness regarding the importance of higher education: “Heightened awareness also that now is the time to act to ensure that the developing countries are full members and active partners in the knowledge-based society. And, finally, heightened awareness that the quality and quantity of education offered by universities and other institutions of higher learning are primordial for every country’s social and economic development.”

The Director-General added: “Higher education has never been an optional extra or a luxury. Especially today, in the knowledge-based economy, it is an absolutely essential part of the education continuum.” He concluded by stressing that “higher education is now higher on the development agenda than it has ever been.”

Higher Education in Developing Countries, Perils and Promise was compiled by a group of independent experts from thirteen countries. The report, based on research conducted over more than two years, diagnoses the specific problems of the developing world and suggests potential solutions. The report, presently only available in English, was first presented in Washington D.C. in March.

The Meeting of Higher Education Partners is devoted to the presentation of the strategy and activities pertaining to the follow-up of the World Conference on Higher Education which was held at UNESCO in October 1998. This is also the subject of another meeting which will take place at UNESCO on June 26 and 27, the Meeting of the International Committee for the World Conference on Higher Education Follow-up.