Press Release

OPEC Fund supports the Third Arab Conference for Education and Learning

03/2006 February 7, 2006, Vienna, Austria
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The OPEC Fund for International Development has approved a grant of US$100,000 in support of the 3rd Arab Conference for Education and Learning. Sponsored by the Arab Thought Foundation (ATF), the theme of the conference is Education and Sustainable Development. The event will be held in Beirut, Lebanon on April 24-26, 2006.

The ATF is an international non-profit, non-political organization concerned with the development and progress of education, science and knowledge in the Arab region. ATF's activities focus on priority issues benefiting the Arab region, mostly through organizing conferences, workshops, seminars and specialized educational programs, as well as undertaking research and strategic studies. ATF is also involved in translating scientific books and educational materials for institutes of higher education.

The conference program will cover a wide array of topics relating to the effect education has on sustainable development, and will review educational policies and programs, human resource requirements, job market situations and other related factors. Around 500 people are expected to attend the conference, including Arab countries' Ministers of Education, Planning and Finance, heads of international and Arab development organizations and high calibre Arab personalities, experts and educators.

In addition to extending financial assistance, the OPEC Fund will participate at the conference to demonstrate its experience, contribution and support to the development and education in the Arab region as part of its assistance to the developing world.