Keywords
Citation
(1999), "Ministers discuss education and the economy", Education + Training, Vol. 41 No. 9. https://doi.org/10.1108/et.1999.00441iab.015
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 1999, MCB UP Limited
Ministers discuss education and the economy
Keywords Education, Economy, Learning, Europe
"Education and the economy" was the theme of a conference of education ministers from Western, Eastern and Central Europe, held in Budapest. The conference involved ministers from the 15 EU member states, ten countries of Central and Eastern Europe, plus Cyprus, Malta, Turkey, Albania, Macedonia, Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina.
The discussions focused on the importance of lifelong learning, and the links between education and the economy in states seeking to join the EU.
The effect of war on education in Kosovo was also discussed. The ministers emphasised that co-operation in education can promote reconciliation between the countries of South-East Europe and stimulate new forms of partnership. The ministers called on international organizations and humanitarian institutions to: use all available means to rebuild effective education systems in South-East Europe; help pupils and teachers to face up to the consequences of war; boost vocational training in South-East Europe to strengthen people's ability to help themselves; and develop higher education in these countries to help them to take full part in scientific debate and international co-operation.