qna & agencies

DOHA The Chairperson of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF), Her Highness Sheikha Moza, took part in the high-level interactive discussion on "Innovative mechanisms and partnerships for international development cooperation in education" held on the sidelines of the World Summit on Innovation In Education (WISE) at Qatar National Convention Center on Wednesday.

The panel discussed the financial needs for the attainment of the internationally agreed development goals by using new and innovative mechanisms to finance education. Among the panelists were Carol Bellamy, chair of the Board of Directors, Global Partnership for Education and former executive director, UNICEF, Senator Cristovam Buarque, a member of the Brazilian Federal Senate and former education minister of the country and Reeta Roy, president and CEO of Mastercard Foundation.

Speaking at the panel discussion, Sheikha Moza underlined the need for direct and close relationship between education and the business sectors. "The time has come to apply innovative financing solutions in the sphere of education, particularly in respect of new and innovative educational projects which respond to our growing and changing needs," Sheikha Moza added. She concluded her speech with the announcement of an award to honour participants in WISE panel discussions and motivate them translate ideas into reality. To be given from next year, the 2012 award topic will be 'Projects on Innovative Financing for Education.'

Reeta Roy suggested the creation of special education fund (SEF) that would facilitate integration of children, especially those living in conflict zones. "Investment in knowledge always pays the best dividend," the president and CEO of Mastercard Foundation noted. Senator Cristovam Buarque called for the creation of the Doha Plan on the lines of Marshall Plan for rebuilding Europe after World War II.

He stressed the importance of improving access to basic education in developing countries through innovation, referring to his country's experience in this regard. He further underlined the importance of imposing new tax to fund innovative education programmes in these countries. In her turn, Carol Bellamy called for the expansion of public-private partnership (PPPs) to provide new and innovative ways of education. The former executive director of UNICEF also emphasized the importance of efficient financial management and identifying specific expenditures. Moderator, Nicholas Burnett of UNESCO, said that mechanisms and innovative financing measures were critical to attainment of the Millennium Development Goals.