The power of education: Education for all, development, globalisation and UNESCO

Abstract

The confluence of the name of the author and the title of the book is, of course, striking. This confluence also serves as a hint concerning the format of the book, which comprises an inexplicit trait of autobiography interwoven with a multitude of research outcomes, reporting and deliberation as well as pondering on educational and social issues. The Australian author, who has been involved in educational matters throughout his life, reached the pinnacle of his life and professional activity as a senior UNESCO official: he was Assistant Director-General for Education from 1989 to 1998 and Deputy Director-General from 1999 to 2000. Having retired from UNESCO, he is still actively involved in various projects. Fortunately, it seems that after retiring he was blessed with some extra free time for reflection and for sorting his papers and memories, resulting in this book, The Power of Education. Thus he ensured that his multi-layered knowledge and vast experience are and will be shared with new generations of researchers and policy makers. This relatively thick book, which is filled with interesting narratives, many surprising observations, resolute statements, deep insights and, last but not least, with recurring mildly poetic undercurrents, bears witness to the fact that UNESCO officials are not and cannot be only ‘‘cold bureaucrats’’. Colin Power was ‘‘in power’’ at UNESCO during a very dramatic period of global social changes, which exposed the crucial importance of education for achieving the goals of human wellbeing, all varieties of emancipation, democracy, peace and harmony. Power’s term at UNESCO saw the launch of the major Education for All (EFA) campaign as well as the publication of UNESCO’s seminal policy book on education in the 21 century, widely known as the Delors report (Delors et al. 1996). Power cooperated with many contributors on ideas for both projects and he was in a highly responsible position for implementing these ideas and ideals in the global reality. In this book,