International Conference on Language, Education and the Millennium Development Goals

[Lila San Roque]

Announcement from http://www.unescobkk.org/education/ (apologies for cross-postings)

05.01.10 International Conference on Language, Education and the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) November 9-11, 2010 , Bangkok, Thailand
 							 								
1st Announcement
 								
The 1st International Conference on “Language, Education and the Millennium Development Goals” will be held November 9-11 in Bangkok, Thailand sponsored by a consortium of organizations from the Asia Multilingual Education Working Group, particularly: UNESCO, UNICEF, SEAMEO, Mahidol University, SIL International and Save the Children.
 								
You are welcome to join with the representatives from government and intergovernmental agencies, NGOs, academics and local community organizations during a three-day forum to dialogue about the state of development of ethno-linguistic minorities, the relevance of local languages, and how to develop programmes and policies that better reach these underserved groups.
 								
Purpose
 								
Languages are more than tools for and means of communication, they help shape the identity of individuals and groups, as well as serve as key elements in social integration and cultural development. As such, languages are also strategically important for the attainment of internationally agreed upon goals such as the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and Education for All (EFA).
 								
Despite aggregate gains worldwide in achieving the MDGs and EFA, the state of development for the world’s ethno-linguistic minorities continues to lag behind, putting them at risk for even greater disparities in the future and increasing the likelihood of conflict arising from exclusion.
 								
This conference is meant to provide a forum to facilitate the following objectives: 
 								
1.  Enhance understanding and knowledge regarding the state of development of ethno-linguistic minorities with regard to the Millennium Development Goals and Education for All.
 								
2. Foster mutual learning as institutions share the results of research and innovative programme interventions related to ethno-linguistic communities, local languages and the Millennium Development Goals.
 								
 3. Catalyze and inform development of cross-sector strategies, action plans and policies to address the unique challenges and needs of ethno-linguistic communities in achieving the Millennium Development Goals and Education for All.
 								
More information on the conference programme, fees, and venue will be available in February 2010.
 								
Please contact: Samantha Custer  s.custer[at]unescobkk.org or Johan Lindeberg j.lindeberg[at]unesco.org for more information.
 

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