Mr. Shigeru Aoyagi, UNESCO Kabul Director, Ms. Catherine Mbengue, UNICEF Representative in Afghanistan and Mr. Michael Slingsby, Country Representative for UN Habitat, attended a joint press conference today in Kabul to highlight the importance of literacy as the fundamental human right and the foundation for a democratic society.

UNESCO: OFFICE IN KABUL

It rankles a bit to hear such a marvellous explanation of the forces that created the mid-Atlantic rift that bisects Iceland on the Thingvellir plain near Reykjavik, but no hint that Europe's first parliament, the foundation of one of the most prosperous and democratic societies on earth, met just over a thousand years ago on that exact same spot.

ECONOMIST: Island life

He is wise to do so, says Joe Garcia, a prominent Democratic Party activist and director of the Cuban-American National Foundation, an exile group that was once hardline but now backs greater engagement with Cuba.

ECONOMIST: Cuba and America

Seeing so many Egyptians exercise their newly won freedom is a cause for optimism, and it will provide a foundation for further progress as the Egyptians continue to build a democratic future.

WHITEHOUSE: Press Briefing

As the Center for American Progress said in its 2005 report "Renewing Our Schools, Securing Our Future, " there are several steps needed to build the strongest foundation for children's educational success and ensure the economic and democratic viability of our country.

FORBES: Magazine Article

Teachers are the foundation of good schools, and good schools are the pillars of healthy and democratic communities.

UNESCO: OFFICE IN APIA