At this forum, we will have the opportunity to hear about educational issues and how they impact educators in countries throughout the America s. More importantly, this forum will allow us the opportunity to put forward a substantive set of proposals to the hemispheric Presidents and Ministers that address key issues in education. Proposals which will ensure the strengthening of democratic institutions and the development of a strong and vibrant public education system throughout the Americas. This priority must translate into a sound financial contribution to education. Education must never be reduced to a simple commodity a service designed for corporate profit and one which children and youth living in poverty can never access.
Education is the heart and soul of a society as it passes from one generation to another.
We must ensure that participants at this summit have this objective in mind and not strategies that would only serve corporate interests. Through our work and our solidarity of purpose, we can and we will influence the Ministers and Presidents Agenda. It is time for actions. We demand tangible commitments from governments to meet the needs of our children and youth they deserve no less.