The first World Education Summit 2011 came to its logical conclusion on 15th July 2011, after three days of intensive discussions and deliberations on key issues in the education sector. The Summit lived up to its name of being a truly global platform by highlighting global best practices, bringing innovations and change to the fore and giving added momentum to international collaborations. High level participation from global education dignitaries and ministers from across the globe and representatives from over 70 countries gave the Summit a highly international flavor. It proved that India has established its place in the international education network and will only get stronger in the coming years as the global education destination.
Several noted personalities in the education sector provided their vision and perspective on the current education scenario and their vision for the future. The common goal seemed to echo across boundariesthe universal effort to move closer towards a world of inclusive, collaborative and quality education. Intensive workshop session on Distance Education, Community Colleges, Educational Development of the North East regions and Open Schooling
threw a light on the extent of work being done in these fields and those that can be undertaken in order to carry forward the national mission of education for all. The Expo at World Education Summit showcased delightful technology solutions and gave a first-hand look into the most innovative technologies in education that have the potential of truly revolutionizing the education world. The World Education awards, with more than 150 nominations and over 74000 voters, adequately demonstrated the reach of the Summit across the globe. The time is now ripe for all those in the education sector to explore, innovate and display their creative best. Dr APJ Abdul Kalam honoured the World Education Summit by his gracious presence and gave an apt conclusion to the three days of jam packed itinerary in the following words, “Education in its real sense is the pursuit of truth, it is an endless journey where there is no scope for hatred or disharmony. It is an asset to the universe…” The World Education Summit is a beginning of OUR endless journey towards building a platform for exchange of excellence and innovation in the knowledge sphere. I take this opportunity to thank all our participants, speakers, supporters, sponsors, exhibitors, and delegates for helping us make this Summit a memorable and an enriching experience. A special vote of thanks to Prof Rajasekharan Pillai, Vice Chancellor of IGNOU, whose constant support and guidance has helped us move leap years ahead.
