The 2nd International Cooperation Forum focuses on education
Bern, 13.02.2023 - On 15 and 16 February 2023, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will host the 2nd International Cooperation Forum Switzerland (IC Forum) in Geneva. Entitled 'Education4Future', the IC Forum will focus on education, bringing together representatives from the political arena, research, the private and financial sectors, NGOs and young people. The IC Forum aims to find joint solutions and to provide access to education worldwide.
The second IC Forum in Geneva will focus on education. The two-day, annual meeting on international cooperation brings together experts from a variety of different backgrounds. The goal is to discuss, debate and identify innovative solutions for the universal challenge of access to education. 'Joint reflection and action' is the value added provided by the IC Forum, which is being organised at the invitation of Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis. In addition to the head of the FDFA and Patricia Danzi, director general of the SDC, the event will also be attended by representatives from the political arena, research, the private and financial sectors, NGOs and young people.
The 2nd IC Forum focuses on education
Both basic education and vocational skills development are key elements of Switzerland's international cooperation and a vital part of sustainable development. "Everyone has the right to education, to choose their path in life freely and to fulfil their potential. I firmly believe that people's success and prosperity – both here in Switzerland and worldwide – depend on this fundamental freedom," underlined Cassis.
However, global education systems face huge challenges. Even before the pandemic, six out of ten children were not reaching basic levels of proficiency in reading and maths. COVID-19 exacerbated this situation. Scores of schools were closed, children could no longer study, and young people had to abandon their training programmes. Joint solutions for new education systems will be discussed at the IC Forum.
From Geneva to the world via an interactive online platform
The hybrid event format and interactive online platform will enable interested actors worldwide to actively participate in the discussions. 'Youth for Solutions', on the second day, will focus on young people and their approaches to sustainable development.
The IC Forum seeks to provide impetus for new education systems and high-quality and effective education as innovative approaches to education are the driving force behind economic development.
Education Cannot Wait High Level Financing Conference
Following the IC Forum, the first Education Cannot Wait (ECW) High-Level Financing Conference will be held on 16 and 17 February 2023. ECW, the UN's global fund for education in emergencies and protracted crises, and Switzerland are co-hosts and are organising a high-ranking financing conference on restructuring education in emergencies in close collaboration with the governments of Colombia, Germany, Niger, Norway and South Sudan. The conference aims to mobilise the support of public and private donors to provide access to education for 20 million crisis-hit children and young people worldwide. Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will open the conference.
International Cooperation Forum: https://www.icforum.swiss
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