PARIS -
- Collaboration to promote greater access and use of ICT for higher education enhancements.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and Microsoft Corp. today announced a joint task force to help higher education institutions worldwide meet the growing challenge of supporting economic stimulus efforts and work-force development strategies. The UNESCO-Microsoft Task Force on Higher Education and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) will create a strategic plan of action to identify how ICT can be used by governments as a catalyst for change.
(Logo: www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000822/MSFTLOGO) (Logo: www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090706/SF41976LOGO)
The announcement was made at the UNESCO World Conference on Higher Education (WCHE), which opened today and is being attended by close to 100 ministers of education, senior education officials and policy advisors. The WCHE is also focusing on critical issues around reduced funding for education globally as a result of the economic crisis and the need for governments to find affordable measures for short-term skills training and work force enhancement in support of economic recovery and growth. Many delegations in attendance from developing regions emphasized the longer-term challenges of sustainable higher education reform and capacity-building.
The UNESCO-Microsoft Task Force on Higher Education and ICT will analyze the findings and recommendations of the WCHE, in addition to feedback from global higher education experts and stakeholders, to identify key initiatives that will promote more effective use of ICT in post-secondary teaching, learning and research.
“Higher education is increasingly strategic for building up skilled work forces in countries. Our focus has been on ensuring that tertiary institutions address the key long-term requirements of our increasingly knowledge-based societies and that students today are best equipped to drive and support economic growth and to address major development challenges from education to health to the environment,” said Nicholas Burnett, UNESCO assistant director-general for education. “Through the creation of the UNESCO-Microsoft Task Force on Higher Education and ICT we will help mobilize critical strategic resources to better assist ministries of education worldwide.”
Initial ICT Resource Mobilization
The current economic downturn combined with rising demand for higher education places governments under enormous pressure to fund enhancements in higher education and support programs needed to train the next generation of work forces with the new skills necessary for economic recovery. Under the umbrella of the UNESCO-Microsoft Task Force on Higher Education and ICT and through the Microsoft Education Alliance , Microsoft will provide a tailored package of resources for short-term higher education enhancements, including curriculum, training and affordable access to collaboration and development software.
“We believe that technology has a vital role to play in building up 21st-century skills, broadening access to education and personalizing the learning experience to adapt teaching to the unique needs of each learner,” said Michael Golden, corporate vice president, Education Products Group at Microsoft. “This program makes technology resources more accessible than ever before to governments and students across the world. We will continue to support UNESCO and our newly formed UNESCO-Microsoft Task Force on Higher Education and ICT in every way we can.”
Additional information about the Microsoft resources available can be found at www.microsoft.com/education/ELF09.aspx.
About UNESCO
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is the UN agency responsible for the promotion of international cooperation in the fields of education, science, culture and communication. UNESCO functions as a laboratory of ideas and standard setter to forge universal agreements on emerging development and ethical issues. It also serves as a clearinghouse for the dissemination and sharing of information and knowledge, while helping member states to build their human and institutional capacities.
About Unlimited Potential
Microsoft, through its Unlimited Potential vision, is committed to making technology more affordable, relevant and accessible for the 5 billion people around the world who do not yet enjoy its benefits. The company aims to do so by helping to transform education and foster a culture of innovation, and through these means enable better jobs and opportunities. By working with governments, intergovernmental organizations, nongovernmental organizations and industry partners, Microsoft hopes to reach its first major milestone — to reach the next 1 billion people who are not yet realizing the benefits of technology — by 2015.
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.
Source: Microsoft Corp.
Rapid Response Team, Waggener Edstrom Worldwide, +1-503-443-7070, rrt at waggeneredstrom.com; Cynthia Guttman, Communications Officer, Education Sector, UNESCO, c.guttman at unesco.org; Note to editors: If you are interested in viewing additional information on Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft Web page at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass on Microsoft’s corporate information pages. Web links, telephone numbers and titles were correct at time of publication, but may since have changed. For additional assistance, journalists and analysts may contact Microsoft’s Rapid Response Team or other appropriate contacts listed at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/contactpr.mspx; Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000822/MSFTLOGO; Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090706/SF41976LOGO
Related Press Releases
Promoting Professional Qualification With German PartnersSeptember 15th, 2009 BONN, Germany and NEW DELHI -
- iMOVE Informs at the Global Summit on Skills Development and at the Worlddidac India in New Delhi from September 24th to 26th, 2009
In order to initiate and extend German-Indian projects in the training sector, iMOVE presents cooperation opportunities at the Global Summit on Skills Development and at the Worlddidac India. iMOVE is the official partner of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in organising the Global Summit on Skills Development.
The Jalousie Enclave Launches in St. LuciaAugust 26th, 2009 NEW YORK -
- Sustainable Luxury Residences to Occupy UNESCO World Heritage Site
Pascal Mahvi, the developer of the Jalousie Plantation Resort & Spa, and hospitality expert Monty Zullo announce the development of an exclusive Residential Resort Community in the heart of the Val des Pitons on the island of St. Lucia. The Jalousie Enclave, the only residential development on Jalousie Bay, will be the first "green" resort in the world offering buyers the opportunity to own property in a designated World Heritage Site.
The Work Foundation Calls on Government to do More to Help Young People During the RecessionJuly 28th, 2009 LONDON - The Work Foundation welcomes the "Future Jobs Fund" announced today by the government, but stresses that more needs to be done to help improve opportunities for 16-24 year olds. Commenting on the scheme, Ian Brinkley, Associate Director at The Work Foundation, said:
"This is a good start.
Knowledge Economy Programme - Second Phase LaunchedJuly 13th, 2009 LONDON - The Work Foundation today launches the second phase of its research programme on the future of Britain's knowledge economy. In a new departure for the organisation, this major programme brings together key players from the public and private sector (including the UK's creative industries), the NHS and government to develop a definitive plan showing how Britain can recover from recession and re-construct a knowledge economy by 2020.
Microsoft Commits US$50 Million in Higher Education Resources, Training and Certifications to Drive Economic RecoveryJuly 8th, 2009 PARIS -
- Resources offered in support of UNESCO-Microsoft Task Force on Higher Education and ICT. In an effort to help higher education institutions support economic stimulus efforts and work-force development strategies, Microsoft Corp.
Lola Karimova-Tillyaeva Launches <<Uzbekistan 2020>>, a Charity Fund Dedicated to Promoting Cultural and Human Exchanges Between Uzbekistan and EuropeApril 7th, 2009 PARIS - Uzbekistan's permanent representative to UNESCO, Lola Karimova-Tillyaeva, launches "Uzbekistan 2020" - a charity fund dedicated to developing cultural, intellectual and human exchanges between Western Europe and Uzbekistan. "Uzbekistan 2020" will be inaugurated on April 8th 2009, during a gala dinner with many eminent personalities, at Paris' Museum of Modern Art: amongst them, Former First Lady Mrs.
Force 9 Business Solutions and Shoplogix(TM) Deliver Sustainable Continuous Improvement Solutions across the UK and IrelandApril 6th, 2009 MISSISSAUGA, Ontario - Plantnode(R) Sets the Stage for Long-term Growth and Sustainability
Shoplogix, a developer of Real-time Performance Management (RPM) solutions for sustainable Continuous Improvement, is pleased to announce that Force 9 Business Solutions Ltd. has joined the Shoplogix Value Added Partner (VAP) alliance to distribute RPM solutions across the United Kingdom and Ireland.
Chrysler LLC Statement in Response to the Announcement by the Administration, U.S. Treasury and President's Auto Task Force Attributed to Chrysler LLC Chairman and CEO, Bob NardelliMarch 29th, 2009 AUBURN HILLS, Michigan - Today marks an important milestone for Chrysler LLC. We are encouraged by
the commitments of the Administration, U.S.
/C O R R E C T I O N -- Chrysler LLC/March 29th, 2009 AUBURN HILLS, Michigan - In the news release, Chrysler LLC Statement in Response to the
Announcement by the Administration, U.S. Treasury and President's Auto Task
Force Attributed to Chrysler LLC Chairman and CEO, Bob Nardelli, issued today
by Chrysler LLC over PR Newswire, we are advised by the company that the
second paragraph, first sentence, should read "...
Global Design Director for RMJM's Global Education Studio to Speak at Building ConferenceMarch 11th, 2009 LONDON - "As designers we must see the current financial challenges and increasing
scrutiny of public spending as an opportunity to demonstrate our ability to
deliver truly affordable and sustainable spaces for learning and research. It
is therefore invaluable to bring together leading experts in the field at
conferences such as Designing and Constructing Colleges and Universities to
gather practical advice and skills." Colin Moses, Global Design Director of
RMJM's Global Education Studio.
Related News
UN conference appeals for change in educationApril 2nd, 2009 BONN - Government ministers appealed Thursday at the end of a three-day UN meeting here to teach children the ideas of 'sustainable development' at schools around the world. A closing declaration said this would be an investment in the future.
Sibal meets UNESCO chief, discusses Mahatama Gandhi InstituteJuly 10th, 2009 PARIS - Human Resource Development Minister Kapil Sibal met UNESCO Director-General Koichiro Matsuura and impressed upon him India's keenness for establishing the Mahatma Gandhi Institute for Peace Education and Sustainable Development. During the meeting in Paris on Thursday, Sibal said this proposed Category-I UNESCO institute should be a symbol of rich heritage and values of peace and diversity that India stands for.
India keen to establish Mahatma Gandhi institute for peaceJuly 10th, 2009 NEW DELHI - Human Resource Development Minister Kapil Sibal met the UNESCO director Koichiro Matsuura and discussed the setting up a Mahatma Gandhi institute for peace studies in the country. Sibal who is currently touring France, met Matsuura in Paris and discussed setting up the Mahatma Gandhi Institute for Peace Education and Sustainable Development, a HRD ministry statement said Friday.
Nine candidates in fray for UNESCO chiefJune 9th, 2009 UNITED NATIONS - Nine candidates are in the fray for the top job at the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), officials said. Current UNESCO director-general Koichiro Matsuura will end his term in November.
Microsoft to invest in Gujarat's education sectorJanuary 14th, 2009 AHMEDABAD - Global software giant Microsoft will invest in training teachers in Gujarat and enhance the use of IT in the education sector. Microsoft India Pvt Ltd signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Gujarat government at the Vibrant Gujarat Global Investors' Summit this week.
UK, Pakistan set up joint task force on educationSeptember 21st, 2009 ISLAMABAD - The United Kingdom and Pakistan have agreed to set up a joint task force on education to be headed by noted British educationist Michael Barber. Talking to the media along with Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi after the meeting with the President Asif Ali Zardari, British Foreign Secretary David Miliband said they had extensive discussions on education.
Britain, Pakistan form joint task force on educationSeptember 20th, 2009 LONDON - Pakistan and Britain have decided to create a joint task force to reform the education system in the Islamic country, Geo TV reported Sunday. The decision was taken during a meeting here Saturday attended by Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and British Foreign Secretary David Miliband, among others.
Irina Bokova to be first woman Unesco director-generalSeptember 22nd, 2009 PARIS - Bulgarian diplomat Irina Bokova was late Tuesday elected as the first-ever woman Unesco director-general, diplomatic sources said. The 57-year-old Bokova received 31 votes from the 58-member Unesco Executive Board.
Meeting of state higher and technical education secretaries todayJuly 24th, 2009 NEW DELHI - Human Resource Development Minister Kapil Sibal will inaugurate a one-day meeting of principal secretaries/secretaries of higher education and technical education of State Governments and Union Territories here today. This annual conference has on its agenda different subjects within higher and technical education such as the National Mission of Education through ICT and matters related to polytechnics under coordinated action for skill development.
Gambling task force recommends colleges treat gambling like alcohol, as student health issueSeptember 30th, 2009 Task force to colleges: Treat betting like boozeLAS VEGAS — A national gambling task force is recommending that colleges and universities take more steps to curb problem gambling by students by treating the issue as a health concern. The Task Force on College Gambling Policies says in a report released Tuesday that most higher education institutions aggressively target alcohol problems on campus, but not gambling problems.
