Putin: Education a priority issue for St. Petersburg G8 summit

Russian President Vladimir Putin said education was a priority issue on the agenda of Russia’s G8 Presidency because a good education system would benefit the global economy.

“Our country is becoming an increasingly active participant in international education processes,” he said at a session of the State Council of Russia. “But education markets cannot be integrated without giving the people access to global systems and sources of information and harmonizing educational standards.”

The president said Russia, which currently holds the rotating G8 Presidency, “suggested discussing systemic issues of education at the [2006] summit” since “quality education is in the interests of the global economy. Its integration is strengthening the cohesion of national cultures, a mutual understanding between nations and states and international stability.”

This year marks the first time Russia will host a G8 summit. This historic event is to be held in St. Petersburg July 15-17.