Education – “learn from the best”

 Along with the OECD Secretariat, and other member state representatives, I’ve been busy finalising 2013 and 2014 OECD work priorities in the last few days (more on those priorities in the New Year – lots of exciting work coming on stream in areas of UK interest).

But I did want to quickly go back and reflect on a visit to Paris a few days ago by two Welsh Ministers – Leighton Andrews (Education), and Jeff Cuthbert (Skills) – as I think it illustrates much that is good about the OECD.

The Ministers met several OECD education and skills experts, and by the end of the day Mr Andrews concluded that he would like the OECD to do a review of the Welsh education system, saying “If we’re to be amongst the best we need to learn from the best”.

 So in the months to come OECD experts will draw on decades of data and analysis across all the world’s education systems; listen to the Welsh Government’s priorities and concerns; and offer some tailored policy advice.

The review is a reminder that  while the OECD is an international organisation, most of its work is about improving domestic policies – and not just in discussion with London, in the case of the UK, but with authorities in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

And in an extremely difficult year for economic prosperity, jobs and wellbeing globally, it’s a good reminder of the absolute centrality of high quality education to prosperity.

As I said, I look forward to blogging in the New Year about upcoming OECD work of key interest to the UK. Meanwhile, thanks for reading in 2012, and Seasons Greetings!