Common problems in the field of education require common action and a pan-European approach, Education Minister Costas Kadis and the Deputy Secretary General of the Council of Europe Gabriella Battaini-Dragoni said on Wednesday.
Speaking ahead of a two-day Ministerial Conference in Nicosia, titled “Securing democracy through education”, Kadis said that “the common values and common actions in the field of education can form the foundation for peace and prosperity in our region”.
Battaini-Dragoni said from her part that the Council of Europe attaches great importance to education as a force for democracy, human rights and stability in Europe.
The Conference is organised by the Directorate General of Democracy of the Council of Europe, in cooperation with the Ministry of Education and Culture and it is held under the Cyprus Chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe. More than 200 participants from 40 countries are attending, including Ministers and Deputy Ministers, Secretary Generals, senior officials and representatives of international organisations. European Commissioner for Education, Culture, Youth and Sport Tibor Navracsics is also present.
Common challenges
Referring to problems in the field of education, Kadis said they were common challenges and their resolution requires cooperation between countries. Participants to the conference will discuss ways to increase the effectiveness of educational systems to combat radicalization, discrimination, extremist violence and racism.
According to the Minister, they will also discuss the framework to develop “safe learning environments” for teaching controversial issues and will reflect on policies related to refugees and people with a migrant background.
From her part, the Deputy SG said that education is fundamental to guaranteeing our ‘democratic security’, in order to foster tolerant and inclusive societies.
Education, she pointed out, plays a pivotal role in better managing diversity and is a central pillar in building sustainable and resilient democracies to safeguard human rights and to strengthen the rule of law.
Education is also crucial for integrating refugees, migrants and asylum seekers, the Deputy DG said, and expressed confidence that the conference will successfully address these issues while taking a pan-European approach.
Source: CNA
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