Brussels, 05/11/2007 (Agence Europe) - This year's theme for the Global Jean Monnet Conference, which will open on Monday in Brussels is "The European Union and Sustainable Development". Organised under the auspices of the Education and Culture Directorate General, it will bring together 450 top academics, policy makers and representatives of civil society from around the world, in the presence of Commission President José Manuel Barroso.
The EU encourages the study of European integration around the world through the Jean Monnet Programme. The programme supports around 2000 Jean Monnet professors specialised in European integration, at universities in 60 countries on the five continents. It also serves to feed debate between on current themes of political importance. This year the discussions are on the means for promoting sustainable development. This objective has to be achieved in the face of demands to improve people's lives and to conserve our natural resources in a world whose population is growing, with increasing demand for food, water, shelter, sanitation, energy, health services and economic security. The conference, which closes on Tuesday 6 November, began with an examination of common European values (solidarity, cohesion, respect for fundamental rights, equal opportunities and non-discrimination, universal access to education and healthcare, multi-lateral dialogue and peace) and considers how the EU can build from them towards worldwide sustainable development. Topics under discussion include global environmental governance, climate change, sustainable energy, demography, poverty and development. The results of the conference will be formally transmitted to the EU institutions. (I.L.)