WELCOME

Welcome to the official website of the Fifth Meeting of Ministers of Education under the auspices of the Inter-American Council on Integral Development of the OAS  that will take place in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia on November 12 - 14, 2007.

The Ministry of Education of the Republic of Colombia is the host of  the Fifth Meeting of Ministers of Education, whose central theme is “Lessons Learned and Hemispheric Commitments for Early Childhood Education”. 

A growing body of research from fields as varied as neuroscience and economics demonstrate the unquestionably positive impact that quality early childhood care and education can have on future success in school and in life, constituting a public investment that yields high returns and a policy priority for governments around the world. 

With the magical beauty of Cartagena de Indias as background, Ministers of Education from the Member States of the Organization of American States (OAS) will gather together to review progress and lessons learned in the design and implementation of early childhood policies; promote a shared analysis of the latest advances in international research and the most effective strategies to address the challenges of assuring access, equity, quality and financing of early childhood education; and to initiate a joint planning process with commitments by Member States, international organizations, and civil society for the next two years. In addition, the meeting will analyze progress on the commitments of the Fourth Meeting of Ministers of Education held in Scarborough, Tobago in August of 2005.

On this webpage you will find the official documents of the Meeting as well as logistical information for your participation in the Fifth Meeting of Ministers of Education. The Department of Education and Culture of the OAS, acting as Technical Secretariat of the Meeting of Ministers, is pleased to join the host country in making this information available and welcoming you to our web page and to Cartagena.

Thank you and welcome!