Education for all goals and education-related millennium development goals by 2015: BRICS

The BRICS countries have reaffirmed their commitment to accelerating progress in attaining the education for all goals and education-related millennium development goals by 2015 and stressed that the development agenda beyond 2015 should build on these goals to ensure equitable, inclusive and quality education and lifelong learning for all.

"We recognize the strategic importance of education for sustainable development and inclusive economic growth. We are willing to strengthen intra-BRICS cooperation in the area and welcome the meeting of Ministers of Education held in Paris, in November 2013. We intend to continue cooperation with relevant international organizations. We encourage the initiative to establish the BRICS Network University," said Fortaleza Declaration at the end of the summit late last night.

The declaration further informed that in March 2014 we agreed to collaborate through dialogue, cooperation, sharing of experiences and capacity building on population related matters of mutual concern to member states.

"We recognize the vital importance of the demographic dividend that many of us possess to advance our sustainable development as well as the need to integrate population factors into national development plans, and to promote a long-term balanced population and development," it said.

"The demographic transition and post-transition challenges, including population ageing and mortality reduction are amongst the most important challenges facing the world today. We confirm our strong commitment to address social issues in general and in particular gender inequality, women's rights and issues facing young people and we reaffirm our determination to ensure sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights for all," it added.

Considering the link between culture and sustainable development, as well as the role of cultural diplomacy as a promoter of understanding between peoples, the declaration said: "We will encourage cooperation between BRICS countries in the cultural sector, including on the multilateral basis."

Recognizing the contribution and the benefits of cultural exchanges and cooperation in enhancing our mutual understanding and friendship, the declaration said, "we will actively promote greater awareness, understanding and appreciation of each other's arts and culture. In this regard, we ask our relevant authorities responsible for culture to explore areas of practical cooperation, including to expedite negotiations on the draft agreement on cultural cooperation.