6 Looking ahead
Education does not guarantee political, social or economic sustainability. However, no country has eradicated poverty, promoted business development, prevented conflict or provided good health services to the population without a focus on education.
The Government has based this white paper on the principle that knowledge is not only an individual or a national good; it is also a global public good. We will all benefit from the provision of relevant education for all. This will enhance job creation, economic growth, global health, democratic development, protection of human rights and conflict prevention.
Education efforts in international development cooperation have slowed down, with serious consequences. It is also cause for concern that not enough has been done to reach vulnerable groups, such as girls, minorities, disabled children and children who are affected by crises and conflicts. This gives cause for concern, and is a major obstacle in the fight against poverty and discrimination.
In this white paper, the Government commits itself to being a driving force in the effort to ensure that education is a high priority in developing countries and in international development cooperation, both politically and financially. This means that education will once again be a priority area in Norway’s development cooperation with countries in the South. The white paper describes which target groups will be given priority and why. It emphasises that Norwegian efforts are not to relieve countries of their responsibility for their own development. With this in view, it examines the tools that we can use to achieve the best possible results. Of particular interest are the opportunities that new technology offers for reaching our goals better and faster than was possible before. Some results will be achieved in the short term, while others, that require structural changes or the development of new methods, will require a more long-term perspective.
Our vision is that all children and young people, regardless of where in the world they live, can be sure of an education. But our ambitions go further than that: we want everyone to receive a good, relevant education. The Government therefore attaches importance to educational quality that can be measured. Norway’s efforts will seek to make it easier for young people to make the transition from school to working life, thus promoting employment and economic development.
Our main partners in this effort are those who are its main target group: children and young people, and adults who have not completed school. We will join forces with the authorities in recipient countries, multilateral organisations, other donor countries, NGOs and the business and private sector. Our goals will be reached through a joint effort.
This white paper marks the start of a major strategic endeavour and the Government invites Norwegian society to take part in dialogue on this work.