The launch of EDGE 2009

Chennai: Emerging Directions in Global Education (EDGE), a group of organizations from India and abroad, came together last year to provide a platform for academia and education field experts to interact and find solutions to the challenges faced by the higher education field in the country. On the backdrop of the enormous success of "EDGE 2008", a formal launch was held here today to announce EDGE 2009, which will be held in the capital city in February 2009.

The maiden version of EDGE organized in March 2008 in New Delhi, India became the cornerstone for India's Higher Education Segment. For the first time ever, prestigious organizations from India and abroad came together to conceptualize an international event that addressed and discussed critical topics in Education.

Over 40 experts and 350 delegates from India and abroad, representing the Academia, Government and the emerging higher education field, participated in the conference last year. The conference, workshops and Round Table Discussion witnessed a healthy debate and exchange of views by leading personalities, professionals and delegates aided by intensive Q & A sessions. The delegates got an opportunity to interact with representatives from USA, UK, Germany, China and Australia. 

Speaking about EDGE 2009, Dr. Kasturirangan, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha), Chairman, Vision Group for EDGE and Director, National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), said, "As globalization has touched all facets of our life; the vital need of today for the Education Sector is to adapt to the global forces of 'Change'. Macro forces like globalization, economic changes and knowledge-based economies are perpetually forcing the Education sector to adapt itself to these changing dynamics. The rapid pace of change will pose major challenges and also opportunities for the Education sector. The role of Educational Institutions as resource providers to the emerging knowledge economy has gained added resonance. So the profile of Higher Education institutions in the country has to transform to keep pace with the rapidly globalizing world. Hence the Central theme for EDGE 2009 will be Transforming Educational Institutions for Global Opportunities – Directions for Higher Education"

"The conference will address key issues like Education Governance, Human Resources, cutting edge technologies and Holistic approach to education infrastructure, with focused attention to transform students into global citizens. It will also include topics that will be a tool to improve, reposition and develop the education sector" said Prof. V. N. Rajasekharan Pillai, Vice-Chancellor, IGNOU and Chairman, Academic Programme Committee for EDGE.

"While transforming Educational Institutes for emerging Global opportunities, the educators and administrators of India will have to increasingly adapt new management tools and techniques to be future ready. I am sure EDGE 2009 will bring thought leaders from across the continents and create a virtual roadmap for the Indian Education sector" added Dr. Kasturirangan.

The workshops to be held during EDGE 2009 include one on "Progressive Governance for Educational Institute" by Indian School of Business and "Academic Counselling for Career Planning" conducted by The College Board, USA.

During EDGE 2009, Ernst & Young, a reputed international professional services firm, in collaboration with EDGE will publish a report that focuses on the business of education. The report will bring practical insights and strategies to operationalizing and scaling educational enterprises.

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