Erik Solheim asks students for help

Minister of the Environment and International Development Erik Solheim would like input from students on how Norwegian development efforts in the education sector can be further improved.

“We know that education is one of the most effective ways of creating development. Education is a human right and is important for overcoming poverty. I want to know more about what students have found out about education and development cooperation,” said Minister of the Environment and International Development Erik Solheim.

Mr Solheim and Minister of Education and Research Bård Vegar Solhjell will host the  High Level Group Meeting on Education for All in Oslo on 16–18 December. Norway is organising the meeting in cooperation with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

In this connection, Mr Solheim is asking students working on relevant masters and doctors projects to send summaries of their dissertations, theses or published articles to www.norad.no/efa. He is also asking for their ideas on what development cooperation in the field of education should focus on. Students can also upload their work onto this website to make it available for others.

“We need to learn more about the effects of education on poor countries, so that more people will join the effort to ensure education for all. I need input from Norwegian students in this respect,” said Mr Solheim.

The three students who make the most interesting contribution to this discussion will be invited to a meeting with Mr Solheim just before the Education for All event to talk about their ideas in more detail.

Suggestions, comments and other input can be registered on www.norad.no/efa

Press contacts:
Information Adviser Ragnhild H. Simenstad (Ministry of Foreign Affairs), tel.: +47 917 17 459
Information Adviser Mona Bergstøl (Norad), tel.: +47 977 14 966.