Education Forum for Asia 2005 Annual Conference

Closing Ceremony

Prof. Dr. Grzegorz W. Kolodko

Former Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance, Poland

Abstract: Five or six centuries ago, China used to be advanced in world science and technology, but later she was left back behind other countries, due to the lack of sustainable economic development. I believe that there are three prerequisites for achieving sustainable economic development, i.e., correct values, policy and system. China has already developed correct values and policies for its economic development, and is right now in the process of building appropriate systems. Different countries with different cultural backgrounds will have different understanding. Exchanges and discussions on education, R&D and knowledge management among people with different cultures will enhance understandings, and help better manage the knowledge. Whether or not a country can take a lead in the 21^st century depends on the capability of that country in learning, education and creativity, because the value-added created by the education and high-tech will decide a country’s GDP and people’s living standards. We should stipulate scientific policies to encourage innovation, since the more innovation, the better we can keep a sustainable economic development.