Institute of Objective Studies chairman M Manzoor Alam and (right) Uttarakhand Governor Margaret Alva at the conference in Patna on Friday. Picture by Jai Prakash

Patna, Sept. 16: A three-day international conference on “Global trends in education: Review and options” organised by the Institute of Objective Studies, New Delhi, and AN Sinha Institute of Social Studies, Patna, started today.

Uttarakhand Governor Margaret Alva, who inaugurated the function, stressed education reforms. Alva said with liberalisation, privatisation and globalisation, the economy of many developing countries are bouncing back and in such a scenario education has a major role to play.

Alva said no society can develop if education is not given priority. Alva said: “By 2015, the average age of the population of India will be 27 years, while in China it would be 37. With such a huge population of youngsters, India has an edge in the race to be a super power.”

The function would feature discussions among eminent participants, including senior adjunct, Tindakan Strategi Sdn Bhd, Malaysia, Mohammed Jamil Bin Ali Al Khjayat, Umm Al-Qura University, Mecca, John Arul Phillips, Dean School of Education and Congnitive Science Asia-e-University, Malaysia and others.