27 September, 2012
Universities Australia congratulates Prime Minister Julia Gillard on her appointment by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon as one of 10 champions of the Global Education Initiative, Education First.Chief Executive Belinda Robinson said that Prime Minister Julia Gillard's appointment reinforces the importance of education reform as a national priority and for ensuring Australia's education system remains world-class.
"Prime Minister Julia Gillard's role as a champion of the Education First initiative underscores the imperative of achieving the participation in education required for lifting national productivity and meeting the demands of the future workforce," Ms Robinson said.
"Investment in education has numerous benefits for society, underpinning productivity growth, innovation and economic prosperity.
"The Education First initiative is a welcome approach, placing education on the global agenda and acknowledging that it is a fundamental right for all people.
"Its three major priorities of putting every child in school, improving the quality of education and fostering global citizenship are commendable goals.
"Investing in education is an investment in our future," Ms Robinson concluded.
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