Taking into account the complex set of demographic, political, economic, technological, social and other factors which will influence the next decades, what future do we envision for rising generations? Education strategies require a collective long-term vision because of their long-lasting impact upon human beings and the environment. Investigating possible scenarios for the future helps shape choices in the present that will have enduring influence.

What should education and learning look like in 2030? And what should be the priority areas for innovation to build this future? How can we best create lifelong learners who will be able to address global challenges, which are yet to be recognized, to equip themselves for jobs that don’t yet exist, and to apply technologies that have yet to be invented? 

Following the plenary session panel discussion, the Rt Hon. Gordon Brown, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, made a compelling case for the importance of education, highlighting some of the obstacles to reaching the MDG on universal basic education by 2015, and offering some solutions.