Maxine Henry-Wilson Minister of Education, Youth and Culture In October 2002, the Honorable Maxine Henry-Wilson was appointed as Minister of Education, Youth & Culture, having previously served as Minister of State for Finance and Planning, Minister of Information in the Office of the Prime Minister, and Leader of Government Business in the Upper House. Henry-Wilson brings to the Jamaican Ministry an impressive record in public administration and holds graduate degrees from the University of the West Indies, where she has also lectured, and Rutgars – The State University of New Jersey. She is a Member of Parliament for South Eastern St. Andrew and has had a long and successful sojourn as General Secretary of the People’s National Party.

Quality Education for All Young People

I commend UNESCO on the tremendous work it has done and the critical and supportive role it has played in the development of our country and the wider world through education. Since its establishment in 1946, UNESCO has partnered with nations in the areas of education, science, culture and communication in the fulfillment of its mandate to assist in developing the social and economic fabric of our global society.

The theme for the Conference on Education is appropriate and relevant as it speaks to the need for each of us to have a shared vision for our young people that will expose them to an education system that will fully prepare them through embracing equity and access and is consistent in the quality of its content and delivery.

As we seek to provide quality education there are critical interventions that must take place. This transformation must meet the needs of our young people by creating more learner centered environments, investing in ITC, curriculum and skills training along with positive values and attitudes so that our people will be able to compete effectively in the new global dispensation.

AS UNESCO works to fulfill its mandate of “quality education for all” it is critical that we acknowledge that the future of our nation and, indeed, the world is dependent on the quality of education received by its citizens. It is, therefore, incumbent upon all shareholders to form and maintain strategic partnerships both locally and internationally that will effectively enhance the social and intellectual capital of our global society.

It is this quality education accessible to all children regardless of gender, social status or location that will become the key driver of sustainable development of both self and country. There can be no retreat as our children and future generations will judge our stewardship on this issue.

Best wishes and every success in your deliberations.