The Internet was created at an international research institute in Switzerland as a means to make data and findings readily available without cost to scientists around the world. Institutions of higher education have a responsibility to participate in the process of developing and shaping the use of the Internet for educational purposes in their societies and around the world. Washington 2001]

The use of the technology should have a place in the educational process itself, and its mastery should be on the list of competencies that every graduate should possess. Washington 2001]

While our world may be changing at a rate unprecedented in human history, it is not all positive. Negative changes are numerous, disrupting societies as evidenced by the violence that we see in so many parts of the world today. Positive change that is permanent requires strong institutions at all levels of society, and institutional development requires models and capable, enlightened leadership. Washington 2001]

Quality education at all levels is, and has been, critically important for all societies at all times. In the developing world, education offers the poor opportunities for new futures: women with higher status and new roles in their families and communities; migrants with an asset that is portable; and refugees with an asset that is both portable and secure.

It is my dream that private individuals and organisations will come to the support of culture

Cultures that do not or cannot communicate become increasingly isolated, inward-looking, and, in due course, marginalised.

For cultures in the developing world to be globally accessible, understood, respected and admired, and to be represented in electronic communications, they must ensure that their cultures find expression not only in the national language, but also in English.

If the cultures and value systems of the developing world are being challenged -- or are believed to be under threat - I think it valuable to try to identify the nature of the challenges. For the sake of discussion, I would put the major issues under the headings of language, institutions, people, communications, and funding.

Islam places special importance on the value of education. Learning is ennobling. Teaching is one of the most valued professions because it opens minds to greater self-awareness as well as to the knowledge that gives learners greater control over their destinies.

Without the establishment of institutions like the Profession Development Centre, rural populations have no hope of succeeding in this world of increasingly rapid change.