Smt. D. Purandeswari chairs the session at the preparatory conference organised by unesco and hosted by republic of korea
	17:8 IST

Smt. D.Purandeswari, Minister of State for HRD was honored as the chairperson for a session on “Building Equitable and Sustainable Societies in Asia and the Pacific-The Challenge to Adult Learning “ during the three day International Conference for the Asia Pacific region being held at Seoul, South Korea from 6.10.08 to 10.8.08. This Conference is being organized by UNESCO and hosted by Republic of Korea. This Conference is one of the five regional UNESCO Conferences that will take place in 2008-09 in preparation of the 6th International Conference on Adult Education (CONFENTIA VI) to be held in Brazil in 2009 . Addressing more than 200 delegates from 80 countries, Smt.D.Purandeswari has highlighted the importance of India’s Commitment making Literacy and Continuing Education and instrument of Social transformation leading towards an egalitarian Social System. Explaining the successful journey in persuit of the EFA goals for elementary education, Smt.D.Purandeswari recalled the progress in Literacy rates that India achieved during 1991-2001. Chairing the session for the group of South Asia on “ Discussion of Key Issues - Trends, Challenges (Afghanistan, Bhutan, Bangladesh, India, Iran, Nepal, Pakistan and Srilanka) she has mentioned that India is highly concerned about the areas of exclusion of vast numbers of people which form the basic challenges of literacy. Speaking about India’s performance in this regard she has stated that the overall growth rate in the 7+ age group was 12.63%, which is the highest compare to the earlier decennial censuses. Exuding optimism, the Minister stated that “ India is expecting a substantial increase in the growth rate of literacy on account-firstly-of a very significant enhancement in investments in elementary education. Secondly, there, has been a significant reverse demographic trend in the 6-13 age group. These two factors will ensure that the influx into the pool of adult illiterate people is arrested. Thirdly, the 11th plan outlays for adult education are higher than the combined outlays for the previous three Plans. I have no doubt that you will share my optimism of our capability to achieve significant improvements in literacy rates.” She was also elected as the Vice Chairperson for one of the plenaries on Regional Synthesis report on CONFENTIA-VI. She has also delivered a speech on “ Participation and inclusion for equity and sustainable development on 7.10.08 during the conference chaired by Mr. Koichiro Matsuura, Director General, UNESCO CONFENTIA VI (6th International Conference on Adult Education) will be held in Belem, Brazil from 19-22 May 2009 and would be preceded by five Regional Preparatory Conferences, programmed to thematic focus of CONFINTEA VI but adapted to the respective regional specifities . Preparatory Conference in Seoul would identify and discuss the main issues, trends and challenges related to Adult Learning and Education, would discuss and disseminate relevant practices and innovations and would synthesize National Reports on Adult Education into a single report. ….. HB/SB