In Washington, D.C.:
Ludi Joseph
Phone: + 1-(202) 473 7700
E-mail:  ljoseph@ifc.org


Washington, D.C., May  5, 2008—IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, is holding its biennial education conference, bringing together key stakeholders to explore the future of private education in emerging markets. They will discuss critical themes such as emerging models for private education; student lending facilities; public, private, and philanthropic partnerships; quality assurance; and working with governments to create positive environments for private investment. The event will be held in Washington, D.C., from May 14 to 16, 2008.

More than 100 participants from over 30 countries, including private investors, IFC clients, government representatives, philanthropic organizations, and public sector providers, are expected to attend. They will be challenged by international panelists from various backgrounds to envision how private education will change in the next five years and beyond. Participants will also discuss how IFC and the World Bank can work more effectively with clients, governments, foundations, and other stakeholders to develop environments where new approaches to private investment can flourish.

Speakers will include Lars Thunell, IFC Executive Vice President and CEO; Douglas Becker, Chairman and CEO of Laureate Education; Sir Graeme Davies, Vice Chancellor and President of the University of London; and Sandeep Kumar, President, Edumatics Corporation. The keynote speaker will be Dr. Moisés Naím, editor and publisher of Foreign Policy magazine.

In the past five years it has become evident that private education can have a significant impact on emerging countries. Many governments are promoting private sector growth to increase educational capacity at all levels, while working to meet relevant standards and quality benchmarks. Entrepreneurs are also increasingly investing in the sector, bringing new perspectives and fresh approaches.

“Global spending on education has risen substantially over the past decade,” said Thunell. “There is a demand for more and better services, and governments are embracing private sector participation as a way to increase quality and efficiency. Nowhere is this felt more keenly than in the emerging markets, where demand is presenting significant opportunities.”

Guy Ellena, IFC Director for Health and Education, who will chair the conference, added, “Our excellent group of speakers and panelists will focus on current practices and emerging trends across all levels of education. They will also consider how new models might be used in other countries and contexts.”

To learn more, visit http://www.ifc.org/ifcext/che.nsf/Content/2008InternationalConference.

About IFC
IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, fosters sustainable economic growth in developing countries by financing private sector investment, mobilizing private capital in local and international financial markets, and providing advisory and risk mitigation services to businesses and governments. IFC’s vision is that people should have the opportunity to escape poverty and improve their lives. In FY07, IFC committed $8.2 billion and mobilized an additional $3.9 billion through syndications and structured finance for 299 investments in 69 developing countries. IFC also provided advisory services in 97 countries. For more information about IFC, visit www.ifc.org. For more on IFC’s health and education activities, visit www.ifc.org/che.

NOTE TO EDITORS: Media wishing to attend should contact Ludi Joseph at ljoseph@ifc.org or call 202-473-7700. Space is limited and participation is by invitation only.  Non-media inquiries should be directed to edconference2008@ifc.org, phone: 202-473-4274.