Education is the cornerstone of most strategies to address social, political, economic and environmental issues, and the demands upon it to support development are continuing to grow. Yet education systems often fall short in providing learners with the skills they need in their own lives and have difficulties in keeping pace with changing societies. International and inter-sectoral collaboration is therefore increasingly vital to developing fresh approaches.  

The opening plenary session explored the interaction between education and other fields of activity in order to tackle challenges of development and growth, and shape effective change. How can strategies for improvement in education be more effectively integrated with broader strategies for economic and social development? How can collaboration across national and sectoral boundaries be strengthened to address the most pressing needs in education? 

Master of Ceremony: Ms. Kirsty LANG, broadcaster and journalist, UK

Welcome Remarks by Dr. Abdulla bin Ali Al-Thani, Chairman of WISE 

Panel Discussion with: 

• Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson, Qatar Foundation

• Dr. Vartan Gregorian, President, Carnegie Corporation of New York

• Her Excellency Naledi Pandor, MP, Minister of Science and Technology, South Africa

• Prof. Jeffrey D. Sachs, Director of The Earth Institute; Quetelet Professor of Sustainable Development, Columbia University

Announcement of the 2011 WISE Prize for Education Laureate