WASHINGTON, DC, May 1, 2012—The 2012 Summit on the Occasion of the G8, entitled “International Education: A Global Economic Engine” will bring together more than 30 high level delegates from 15 countries and the EU in Washington, DC on May 2 and 3, to engage in a hands-on discussion of national priorities and educational cooperation among nations, with the goal of making international education a pillar of bi-national and multilateral engagement.
Global mobility in higher education – the exchange of students and scholars – is an economic engine that fuels the economy of both home and host countries, keeps our universities vibrant and competitive, and prepares the future workforce to meet global challenges. International education is a multi-billion dollar industry that is a major service-sector “export”. But more importantly, it fosters innovation and strengthens commercial and diplomatic ties between nations.
This timely International Education Summit will convene education policy leaders representing the major national exchange organizations and government agencies involved in international academic mobility. They will discuss specific areas of effective collaboration, examine current successes and future needs, promote global academic mobility, and raise awareness of the economic impact of international education among the G8 leaders.
The International Education Summit is convened annually in the G8 host country to provide a platform for top-level policymakers and practitioners to meet and exchange experience and expertise. The 2012 International Education Summit is convened by the Institute of International Education. The G8 Summit, a separate event hosted by the White House, will take place at Camp David on May 18 and 19, addressing a range of economic, political and security issues. This second annual International Education Summit follows a successful inaugural meeting in Paris in May 2011 hosted by Campus France.
May 2: National Priorities in the Area of Promotion of Internationalization of Higher Education: Recent Developments and Future Trends
On Day 1 of the Summit, a high-level delegate from each of the 15 countries and the EU will present an overview of internationalization goals and challenges in their country or region. In the evening, delegates will take part in an opening reception at the U.S. Department of State, with remarks by Cheryl Mills, Counselor and Chief of Staff to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and John Sexton, President of New York University, as well as a welcome by Allan E. Goodman, President and CEO of the Institute of International Education, the organization that is hosting the Summit.
May 3: Global challenges and opportunities
Day 2 of the Summit will provide an opportunity for in-depth dialogue on critical issues that drive national strategies and impact global academic mobility, and will feature a luncheon hosted by the World Bank.
In the opening session, Martha Kanter, Undersecretary of Education at the United States Department of Education, and Adam Ereli, Principle Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs at the U.S. Department of State, will present the United States perspective and provide a framework for a global discussion of the role education plays in building workforce capacity and addressing shared global challenges.
Policy Theme One: Economic Impact
This session is focused on the economic impact of international education, its role as a leading service export, and the multiplier effect of globally educated students and scholars in developing business relationships across borders. Chaired by Matthew Goodman, Simon Chair in Political Economy at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, speakers will include: Mark Darby, Australian Education International, Australia; Claire A. Poulin, Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Canada; Siti Hamisah Tapsir, Ministry of Higher Education, Malaysia; Martin Davidson, British Council, United Kingdom.
Policy Theme Two: Academic Mobility
Policymakers will examine Management Models of National Scholarship and Fellowship Programs, looking closely at the goals and successes of some of the most effective programs in place today, and discussing how best to meet future needs. Chaired by Xavier Prats Monné, Deputy Director General for Education and Culture of the European Commission, speakers will include: Euclides Mesquita Neto, University of Campinas, Brazil; Meng Li, China Scholarship Council, China; Sebastian Fohrbeck, German Academic Exchange Service, Germany; a representative of the Indonesia delegation; and Edie Cecil, Institute of International Education, USA.
Policy Theme Three: Institutional Cooperation
In this session, delegates will explore specific international academic linkages as a key factor in building successful strategic institutional relationships, addressing the role of Curriculum Integration, Joint and Dual Degrees, Twinning, and Diploma Recognition Programs in developing these partnerships. Beverly Tatum, President of Spelman College, USA, will serve as chair; speakers will include: Béatrice Khaiat, CampusFrance, France; Hitoshi Nara, Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, Japan; Cecilia Jaber, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mexico; David Prior, Hamad bin Khalifa University, Qatar; Tatiana Marinina, Ministry of Education and Science, Russian Federation.
About the Institute of International Education
The Institute of International Education is a world leader in the international exchange of people and ideas. An independent, nonprofit organization founded in 1919, IIE has network of 17 offices worldwide and over 1,000 member institutions. IIE designs and implements programs of study and training for students, educators, young professionals and trainees from all sectors with funding from government agencies, foundations, and corporations. IIE also conducts policy research and program evaluations, and provides advising and counseling on international education and opportunities abroad.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
Press attendance by RSVP only; space is limited.
PRESS BRIEFING/Q&A on “The U.S. Perspective”
Thursday, May 3, 9:45 – 10:30 a.m.
Martha J. Kanter, Under Secretary, U.S. Department of Education
Ambassador J. Adam Ereli, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs
Allan E. Goodman, President and CEO, Institute of International Education
SUMMIT SESSIONS
Wednesday, May 2, 2:30 – 5:30 p.m. – Presentation of National Priorities and Policies
Thursday, May 3, 9:00 a.m. – 5:45 p.m. – Policy Theme Discussions
10:30 a.m. Economic Impact
2:15 p.m. Academic Mobility
4:00 p.m. Institutional Cooperation
INTERVIEWS AND PHOTO OPS – upon request.
Press Room with video conference of proceedings will be available for scheduled interviews and photo ops with delegates and guest speakers.
All sessions will be held at the Institute of International Education, 1400 K Street, N.W., Washington DC.
A government issued photo ID will be required for entrance to the building.
Contact:
Ed Grocholski, The Lindberg Group for IIE – 703-778-7642, ed@lindeberggrp.com
Sharon Witherell, Institute of International Education – switherell@iie.org
Contacts
Public Affairs