CULTURE EDUCATION MEDIA
Global Media Forum

International Conference

25-27 JUNe 2012

WORLD CONFERENCE CENTER BONN

THE RIGHT TO EDUCATION. A DREAM FOR MANY CHILDREN. WE MAKE IT A REALITY

Dr. Angelica Schwall-Düren

Minister for Federal Affairs,

Europe and the Media

State of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

The international community has intensified its efforts to support a global platform for the promotion of sustainable development. The UN Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (2005-2014) is one of the many examples of initiatives which have been established to place education and culture at the forefront of the international sustainability agenda. 
It is an important step, as the value of education and culture for shaping a sustainable world are not to be underestimated.

Education is an issue which is not simply about promoting intellectual growth through the usual avenues of formal learning. It is also about an educational culture which facilitates the transfer of knowledge and know-how;

empowering communities in their efforts to grasp and to confront the global challenges of poverty, persistent economic crises and environmental degradation.

The significance of culture has yet to be grasped in its full value as a cornerstone of sustainable development. Culture, apart from being an important basis for the development of identity and artistic expression, is a resource

which, particularly when it is inclusive, is crucial for social cohesion and economic growth.

Cultural industries, goods and services are a source of income generation and employment for millions and as such are not to be underestimated in their contributions to economic development. Culture is also a dynamic educational

venue for transporting information about a wide array of societal concerns beyond the academic mainstream.

For many people, the discussion on sustainable development remains abstract and is believed to have very little practical implications for the day-to-day organization of their lives. 
The media has an important role to play in bringing the reality of the challenges and opportunities of sustainability closer to home while raising awareness for the global relevance of promoting sustainable human development.

The Global Media Forum is a lively platform for gaining new insights and for sharing experiences. It brings a very diverse group of international media experts, policy makers and other committed individuals interested in exploring

the role that the media plays in shaping our understanding of sustainable development.

I am very pleased that the Global Media Forum has put the issues of culture and education on the agenda for this year’s event.



Siehe auch:
http://issuu.com/dw_gmf/docs/dwgmf-programm2012-web#download