Brookings: Topics - International Education

Center for Universal Education

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:06:09 GMT

The Center for Universal Education at Brookings develops and disseminates effective solutions to the challenges of achieving universal quality education. The center offers a forum for research, high-level dialogue, and public debate on a range of issues relevant to education in the developing world.

21st Century Global Governance: Broadening Participation in International Institutions

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 12:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

October 30, 2009, 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM

While most international institutions involve only governments in their formal governance structure, a number of innovative institutions have emerged in recent years that engage multi-stakeholders in their governance processes. On October 30, the Center for Universal Education at Brookings hosted a roundtable with experts and leaders from a number of these innovative institutions.

Teaching and Learning in Emergencies, Chronic Crises, and Early Recovery

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 10:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

October 27, 2009, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

In contexts of crisis and emergency, resuming education delivery is increasingly regarded as a vital part of the humanitarian response and plays an important role in protecting citizens while laying a sustainable foundation for recovery, peace, and development. The Center for Universal Education convened a consultative workshop on October 27 with the Inter-Agency Network on Education in Emergencies (INEE) focused on the development of the INEE Guidance Notes on Teaching and Learning in Emergencies, Chronic Crises, and Early Recovery.

Universal Education is an Investment for America

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

President Obama's speech at the Clinton Global Initiative on September 22 stressed the importance of international development in a globalized world. Rebecca Winthrop outlines the benefits to Americans of supporting international development causes, with particular attention to universal education.

Three Reasons the Americans Should Support Global Education

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

One year after committing to a $2 billion Global Fund for Education, President Obama returned to the Clinton Global Initiative on September 22 to speak about international development. Rebecca Winthrop discusses the importance of renewing the commitment to education in the developing world and its relevance to all Americans.

Obama's Commitment to the World's Children

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

One year after making a major commitment to give every child the chance to attend school, President Barak Obama addressed the opening session at the Clinton Global Initiative's 2009 Annual Meeting on September 22. David Gartner discusses the urgency of the Global Fund for Education's creation and the unique opportunity Obama has to lead the world towards universal education.

A Global Fund for Education: Achieving Education for All

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In order to realize the world’s commitment to ensuring education for all by 2015, important innovations and reforms will be needed in the governance and financing of global education. David Gartner advises that the Global Fund for Education holds the key and outlines a set of core principles to guide the fund.

China’s New Think Tanks

Fri, 14 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

As Chinese think tanks begin to acquire qualities that have long described their peers in other countries, business leaders from major state-owned companies private companies now play a crucial role in the management. Cheng Li takes a close look at the formation of prominent think tanks in the country and adds new analysis to the long-standing and complicated relationship between power, wealth and knowledge.

Making Africa a Priority in U.S. Foreign Assistance

Fri, 07 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's multi-nation tour of Africa highlights America's development aid imbalance. Last year, the United States directed almost three-quarters of its resources to countries that are not among the poorest in the world. David Gartner argues that a greater focus on the least developed countries, especially those in Africa, would yield enormous progress toward reducing global poverty.

Brookings Launches Center for Universal Education

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 09:18:25 GMT

Brookings launched the Center for Universal Education, an initiative that will develop and disseminate effective solutions to the challenge of achieving universal quality education. As part of the Global Economy and Development program, the center will conduct research and analysis, convene meetings and host policy forums to enhance policy development and understanding on a range of issues relevant to the achievement of universal quality education for the world’s poorest children.

Educating Women and Girls in the Developing World: A Conversation with Ambassador Melanne Verveer

Tue, 21 Jul 2009 15:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

July 21, 2009, 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM

Education, especially for girls and women, is one of the most highly leveraged investments that a developing country can make in its future. This spring, President Barack Obama appointed Melanne Verveer to serve as the first ever ambassador-at-large for global women’s issues. The Center for Universal Education hosted a conversation with Ambassador Verveer on the importance of girls’ and women’s education in the developing world.

Crisis in Pakistan: Educate Women and Girls for Long-term Solutions

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Pakistan’s humanitarian crisis brings a sharp focus on the need for long-term socio-economic development in the Northern region. In the Conflict Resolution and Prevention Forum, Rebecca Winthrop addressed the humanitarian crisis in Pakistan and called for further innovation and investment of education for girls and women.

Will the G8 Deliver on Education for All?

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In 2000, leaders from the G8 Summit pledged to achieve universal basic education by 2015. Despite their commitments, donor assistance is declining and investments in education for the developing world are being cut, states David Gartner. He urges the G8 to make good on their promise and proposes President Obama to seize the moment of opportunity with a bold investment in education.

An Education Stimulus for the Developing World

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In this economic crisis many low-income countries are forced to cut back on vital investments in education. David Gartner urges that new guidance by Congress to the IMF could make a real difference in giving low-income countries the ability to invest in their own children.

Pakistan's Displaced Girls and Women—an Opportunity for Education

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Since November 2008, the fighting between the Pakistan government and Taliban militants has displaced over two and a half million people. In the midst of this crisis, Rebecca Winthrop identifies a window of opportunity to improve the education situation of girls and women, one that will sow long-term benefits for the region’s recovery and development.

Obama's Call for Educating Women

Fri, 05 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

President Obama's words in his historic Cairo address have raised the hopes of millions of girls around the world. David Gartner discusses how the president's call for educating women is a commitment that can be fulfilled through the creation of a Global Fund for Education.

International Volunteer Service: A Smart Way to Build Bridges

Tue, 02 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

President Obama has proposed expanding the Peace Corps and building a global network of volunteers. To achieve this goal, David Caprara, Kevin F. F. Quigley and Lex Rieffel examine alternative service models and offer policy recommendations to the Obama Administration to further enhance U.S. volunteer opportunities with the goal of strengthening America’s multilateral development engagements.

The Kennedy Serve America Act: A New Boost for Service

Fri, 03 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

President Obama signed the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act, which will double the size of AmeriCorps and increase volunteer opportunities in the U.S. and abroad. David Caprara discusses the significance of the new legislation.

Iran: Poverty and Inequality Since the Revolution

Thu, 29 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Thirty years after the Iranian revolution proclaimed social justice as a principle tenet, Djavad Salehi-Isfahani analyzes trends in inequality, poverty, and access to education and health services. While strides have been made, the record of the Ahmadinejad administration, up for re-election, is mixed.

A Call to Action for Global Early Child Development

Thu, 04 Dec 2008 14:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

December 04, 2008, 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM

On December 4, the Wolfensohn Center for Development at Brookings and the Committee for Economic Development hosted a discussion on the importance of early child development and its impact on sustainable economic development in the developing world.

A Better Place for the Peace Corps

Thu, 23 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The Peace Corps, although the standard of excellence for international volunteering, remains constrained by budget issues and low numbers of volunteers. In a recent World View article, Lex Rieffel proposes the creation of a Corporation for International Study and Service that includes the Peace Corps as one solution and outlines potential benefits.

Egypt’s Education System: Parents and Students Emerge as a New Force for Reform

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Navtej Dhillon, Amina Fahmy, and Djavad Salehi-Isfahani discuss the troubled state of Egypt’s education system, demonstrated most recently by the organized leaking of national exams. Growing frustration among parents and students can be remedied by reforming signals from the labor market and university admissions policies.

Addressing Yemen's Twin Deficits: Human and Natural Resources

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In the wake of the attack on the U.S. embassy in Sana’a, Yemen, Navtej Dhillon emphasizes that human development, resource management, and the productive use of a fast growing youth population are of utmost importance to Yemen’s future, the poorest country in the Arab world. The international community must now do more than ever to invest in sustainable economic development and institutional capacity-building to ensure the country’s prosperity and stability.

Ten Times the Peace Corps: A Smart Investment in Soft Power

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Reversing the negative attitudes toward the United States that prevail in many parts of the world will require a mix of hard power and soft power instruments. Brookings Fellow Lex Rieffel and National Peace Corps Association President Kevin F. F. Quigley provide recommendations for scaling up the Peace Corps and argue that such an effort could contribute measurably to strengthening America’s relations with the rest of the world.

The Role of Education in Cuba's Future

Thu, 07 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Andy Gomez demonstrates how the role of education in the future of Cuba will be one of the leading factors in transforming the psychological values and attitudes of the population in order to develop a civil society and eventually sustain a democratic state.

Directing Foreign Aid for Basic Education: Taking Account of Political Will

Sat, 31 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

At least 77 million children worldwide do not attend primary school, a problem which is often fueled by a lack of resources but also by a lack of political will. In a new Brookings Global policy brief, Stephen Kosack examines the issue of political will and its affect on primary education access.

Building a Knowledge Society in the Arab World

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

"Arab nations share a history of remarkable intellectual and scientific achievement,” writes Kristin Lord, “yet as a group, these 22 countries lag behind other regions—and their own potential—in educational achievement, scientific advances, and economic growth.” Drawing on the insights of a distinguished panel of experts from the Arab world, Lord assesses what has happened in the five years since the UNDP’s Arab Human Development Report 2003.

Are Iranian Women Overeducated?

Wed, 05 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

With the number of women outnumbering men two to one in Iranian universities, closing this gender gap in education has been hailed as one of the country’s most important achievements. Because women graduates are one-third less likely to work than men, there is concern about women taking up precious spaces at publicly subsidized universities. Djavad Salehi-Isfahani, visiting fellow with the Wolfensohn Center for Development, discusses the unnecessary use of affirmative action that universities are taking to control the imbalance in enrollments and argues limiting women’s educational rights will hinder the country’s economic development.

Building an Arab Knowledge Society: How Business Can Help

Wed, 30 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Kristin Lord offers ideas for Arab countries to build a knowledge based society in which business can flourish.

On the Right Track? Iran Edges toward Education Reform

Tue, 11 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT

With Iran's recent move to adopt into law the guidelines to eliminate the national university entrance examinations, Brookings Scholar Djavad Salehi-Isfahani discusses the importance of educational testing and the historical significance of this large exam.

Youth Exclusion in Iran: The State of Education, Employment and Family Formation

Sun, 30 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Iran’s large youth population has led to overcrowding in schools, gender imbalance in the marriage market and increased pressure on the nation’s rigid formal labor market. By focusing on three crucial transitions, Djavad Salehi-Isfahani and Daniel Egel analyze the challenges facing youth in Iran and opportunities for the country to tap into its demographic dividend.

Global Service Fellowships: Building Bridges through American Volunteers

Tue, 20 Mar 2007 00:00:00 GMT

David L. Caprara, John Bridgeland, and Harris Wofford argue that as policy-makers search for ways to share the best of America with the world, they should start with our international volunteers, who embody this country's spirit of generosity, resourcefulness and hope. With the support of Congress and the Bush Administration, volunteers can become the first face of America to communities in many nations, while advancing concrete initiatives that lift up the lives of the poor throughout the world.

International Volunteering: Smart Power

Thu, 01 Jun 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Lex Rieffel and Sarah Zalud argue that Americans engaging in volunteer work in other countries encourage more favorable attitudes among foreigners toward America and generate greater understanding among Americans of foreign perspectives. A more robust cross-cultural dialogue could make the United States less dependent on hard power, which has high budget costs.

Reconsidering the Peace Corps

Mon, 01 Dec 2003 00:00:00 GMT

Policy Brief #127: ""Reconsidering the Peace Corps"" by Lex Rieffel. (December 2003)

Educate Them All

Sat, 20 Apr 2002 00:00:00 GMT

Opinion by Gene Sperling, Visiting Fellow, the Brookings Institution, in the Washington Post, April 20, 2002

Basic Education in Pakistan and Afghanistan: The Current Crisis and Beyond

Mon, 17 Dec 2001 14:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

December 17, 2001, 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM

A panel of experts will attempt to define what role the United States and the international community should play in reforming the basic education systems in Pakistan and Afghanistan, addressing the special challenge of reaching girls in this region.

Educating the World

Thu, 22 Nov 2001 00:00:00 GMT

Opinion by Gene B. Sperling, Visting Fellow, The Brookings Institution, in The New York Times, November 22, 2001

Toward a Global Initiative on Basic Education

Wed, 24 Oct 2001 14:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

October 24, 2001, 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM

This is the inaugural event of the new Brookings Forum on Universal Education, which will host a series of ongoing panels to discuss the policy issues critical to promoting education for all children worldwide.

The Developing World's Quiet Crisis

Mon, 16 Jul 2001 00:00:00 GMT

Opinion by Gene Sperling, Visiting Scholar, the Brookings Institution, in The Financial Times, July 16, 2001

Protecting Displaced Children in Emergencies & Preparing for the Future: The Role of Education

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 GMT

As conflicts and natural disasters displace an increasing number of children, how should the international community protect these children's right to education?