INNOCENTI LECTURES are formal lectures delivered by distinguished scholars or well-known public figures on some of the most crucial welfare problems currently affecting children and families. The Innocenti Lecture carries with it a prize consisting of a modest fellowship to be awarded to a researcher from a developing country working on a research topic broadly related to the Centre’s programme.
The general, global long-term trend is to give education more priority, though there have been some, probably temporary, cutbacks in the shadow of structural adjustment and economic reform policies in both rich and poor countries. One reason, of course, is the growing understanding of the connection between investments in education and economic growth. In that discussion, it is important that the World Bank, The Economist and other such influential voices stress the importance of primary education. However, even if they are listened to, it is not certain that we will move towards a school in the spirit of the Convention. The distortions in some of the elite schools, where there is often no lack of financial resources, is a warning signal.
Right to education, Human rights-based approach, International humanitarian law, Monitoring & measuring human rights, Whole school approach, Children’s rights
