CGE delegation members traveling across Central Asia to North Africa hear optimistic perspectives from citizens of diverse nations.From Kabul in Central Asia to Kariouan in North Africa, professors, students, professionals, taxi drivers, and people on the street are talking optimistically about their future. The information deluge about world events has penetrated even the most remote areas due to satellite and internet connections. Among the war-torn damages in Afghanistan there are satellite dishes rising above the ruins.Societies that attempt to curb the tide of access to global information are those that will remain amidst the rubble of past protectionism and only watch the future for global citizens rise in the distance.

In the UAE, one of the newest universities in Sharjah is the American University where all their classes are taught in English with a faculty trained primarily in the western world.Their goal is to excel in education that is compatible with western standards to produce graduates to be leaders of progressive thought within their emirate societies.

Thailand’s restructuring of the national education governing body provides a challenge for comprehensive educational reform as they continue to focus resources on faculty and teacher enhancement skills.In Tunisia, while expressing concern about the motives of western nations, a hope for a “new democracy” is discussed that might enhance economic growth for global involvement in jobs and markets.

Although diverse in culture and historical background, educators seemed to express three cornerstone thoughts for the future: a desire to live in a nation that guarantees freedom and access to knowledge, a heart for education that prepares the future generation, and a mindset of truth and optimism.

Nations that base their documents of freedom on the rights and hope for each individual must be willing to help those who now desire to rebuild educational and economic systems.It is the mind of truth for cooperation and partnership that compels CGE to participate in placing these cornerstones.Common cornerstones among nations can under gird a global vision for international education, a heart for sharing educational expertise, and a like-mindedness for sharing truth.