SUMMING UP
 

Nothing is more fundamental or essential to the progress of individuals and societies than the development of human competence and skills through education and training. It was this realization that gave birth to the EFA movement and continues to be its motive force. The World Conference on Education for All was the consequence, not the cause of this realization, but Jomtien served to transform awareness of the need for education into a worldwide movement to ensure its provision, reinforcing national action with international cooperation.

In the nine high-population countries, the first results of the EFA movement are now apparent. Its success is founded upon the conviction that people are the principal means for development and their welfare its primary purpose. Education is, indeed, essential to the efficient operation of modern economies and societies. As already noted, it is also critically important in promoting responsible attitudes toward family-size and family welfare. But the purpose of education is not only to promote productivity and prosperity, but also to advance peace, freedom, justice, equality and mutual respect. EFA is, thus, not only a powerful and appealing vision in itself, it is part of - and essential to - a wider vision of humanity's future and fate: of a world in which progress will vanquish poverty, in which peace, will prevail over strife, in which women and men will live in freedom, dignity, respect and equality, and in which the triumph of common purpose and good sense will preserve the environment of the earth for future generations. It is important to keep this vision in mind - as remote as it may often seem - because it has practical implications. It implies, for example, that EFA must be promoted not only through educational action, but also by creating opportunities, removing barriers and promoting justice and equality.

The Framework for Action to Meet Basic Learning Needs

'There will never be a better time to renew commitment to the inevitable and long-term effort to meet the basic learning needs of all children, youth and adults. This effort will require a much greater and wiser investment of resources in basic education and training than ever before, but benefits will begin accruing immediately and will extend well into the future - where the global challenges of today will be met, in good measure, by the world community's commitment and perseverance in attaining its goal of education for all'.

Today, nearly four years on, this effort is well underway and its first fruits are full of promise.