Message from the Prime Minister - The Rt. Hon Tony Blair MP

Education is key to tackling poverty and extending opportunity in the developing world. Every child who does not go to school is denied the opportunity to develop his or her potential. Today, about 113 million children, mainly in developing countries, do not attend school at all, and many more do not finish primary school, or leave school functionally illiterate, because of poor quality education. These problems are particularly acute in sub-Saharan Africa.

Information and communication technologies - both new and old - have great potential to aid the effort to spread education. Radio and television are already used to supplement learning in some countries. Satellite and the Internet can extend the reach of information from anywhere in the world even to remote rural areas. The Internet can be used to access information which can improve the quality of education in countries where learning materials are very scarce. It is also important for young people in developing countries to learn how to use new technologies, as they become increasingly integrated in into business and government.

New technologies are rapidly changing life in this country. I want to find a way to bring some of the opportunities they provide to poorer countries. I also want to look at how business could contribute. Businesses have a range of valuable resources - an understanding of technology and the skills needed to develop technology infrastructure; hardware and software; communications networks; and project management and training skills - which can help the efforts of donors and governments to improve education.

The challenge of improving education in sub-Saharan Africa is daunting. But there is also huge potential to make progress. I believe that by working in partnership we will make a significant contribution to ensuring that Africa makes rapid and determined progress on improving education. Together, we can make a real difference to many children's lives.