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WORLD
EDUCATION FORUM
DAKAR, APRIL 28, 2000
NGO REPRESENTATIVE THOMAS BEDIAKO |
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 I
would like to make few comments on behalf of all the NGOs at
this conference. First let me say that we, the NGOs, were very
happy to hear the vision and political will expressed by Secretary
General Kofi Annan and other leaders here this week - the commitment
to education for all, increased resources, and most importantly
the determination to act now. |
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We welcome the expression of some of that vision in the draft
Framework for Action. We note particularly: |
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a strengthened commitment to free and compulsory primary
education of good quality and
the commitment
that no country with a viable plan will be allowed to fail
for lack of resources
a global
effort based on country led national plans
the acknowledgement
of the need for increased resources trough aid and debt
relief
recognition
of the need to prioritise girls education
the commitment
to a genuine partnership with civil society- that is NGOs,
teachers unions, parents organisations inclusive
the promise
to urgently implement education programmes to combat HIV/AIDS.
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draft Framework however falls well short of what we hoped
for. It is short on time bound commitments. It is weak
on financing. We had hoped to see a target of 6% of GNP for
education spending as recommended by the Delors Commission,
and 8% of aid to be spent on education. It lacks mechanisms
for transparency and accountability. We deeply regret that.
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perhaps most importantly, the language on the proposed global
initiative is vague and lacks detail. We are struck by
the contrast between the obligations being taken on by southern
governments, and the absence of comparable commitments by the
northern governments and multilaterals |
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| In
the last few months we have seen the flowering of a world-wide
movement of civil society dedicated to the fight for quality
education for all. |
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thank you -the governments and multilaterals- for your willingness
to engage with us in this important work. |
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want to tell you that we will not go away. |
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will continue to campaign at local, national and international
levels. |
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will see you in the villages, towns and cities. |
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will see you at the G7 Summit in Okinawa, at the Social Summit
Review in Geneva, the Beijing Review and the Millennium General
Assembly in New York. |
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| Thank
you. |
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