The coalition government of the UK is seeking to achieve two main goals by reforming funding of higher education in England.
The worst economic crisis in half a century still holds us in its grip. In fact, with a bleak short-term outlook, global public opinion could be forgiven for questioning the ability of political leaders and policymakers to find a way out.
The OECD 50th Anniversary Week 2011 was a momentous and inspirational occasion. Against the background of a fragile recovery of the world economy, 21 heads of state and government and deputy prime ministers, 86 ministers and state secretaries, and over 2,000 participants from business, labour and civil society gathered to identify and discuss the policies needed to achieve a more inclusive and greener path to economic growth and job creation.
What is the state of world economy as we enter 2011? Have we made progress over the past 12 to 18 months in putting an end to the worst economic crisis in our lifetimes and laying the foundations for a stronger, cleaner and fairer world?
According to the latest Economic Outlook, growth in the OECD will reach some 2.7% in 2010. But while the global economy may be out of intensive care, it remains very fragile, as underlined by market volatility, rising public debt and high unemployment. A key missing ingredient is confidence. What must be done to restore it?
One of the difficult challenges for governments facing a crisis is to keep an eye on the wider picture. This is particularly true in OECD countries today, as they fight down unusually wide fiscal deficits and heavy debt. These problems are a sequel to the financial crisis that started in 2008. Now, most countries, from the largest to the smallest, have to make new sacrifices. People are understandably angry, feeling they are not responsible for the current situation.
Spring is finally in the air for most OECD countries, as the signs of recovery start to multiply. The recession has been long and hard, so this is reassuring news. But while the worst of the crisis may be behind us, the recovery remains fragile, and there are still many policy challenges to address.
