The United Nations Secretary General, Ban Ki-Moon, has appointed Prime Minister Julia Gillard as one of 10 champions of the Global Education Initiative, Education First.

 

Universities Australia has congratulated the Prime Minister, saying that it shows the importance of placing increased emphasis on education in Australia.

 

"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," Universities Australia’s CEO Belinda Robinson said.

 

"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."