Lyn Brown MP was proud to address the International Academic Forum 2008 held in West Ham last Saturday.

On Saturday 18^th November, the International Academic Forum 2008 was held in Crick Hall at the British Institute of Technology and E- Commerce (BITE) main campus and was hosted by the BITE.

This year the forum focussed on the higher education sector in India and how the relationship between Britain and India can build bridges in quality assurance, teaching and assessment standards between institutions of higher education and supporting students’ aspirations to study abroad. It was felt that the psychological and the personal benefit of undertaking postgraduate education in a different social and cultural environment can widen prospectives and knowledge scope.

The discussion of the forum particularly addressed the challenges in the higher education system within the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh State, and the State’s Chancellor and Governor, the Honourable Shri Naryan was the forum’s chief guest.

At the opening on the forum, Lyn Brown MP welcomed the International Academic Forum to the London Borough of Newham, highlighted the success of India’s economy and stressed the importance of the UK’s role in sharing knowledge and information with India on higher education.

Lyn said:

 “Welcome to the London and the London Borough of Newham - which in 4 years time will host the 2012 Olympics. This part of London is one of the most diverse places on earth, and although there are areas of real deprivation in this area, we are part of one of the world’s largest regeneration schemes - and our people are dynamic and innovative”

 “The UK shares much with India, from shared histories and cultural influences. I believe that both nations gain huge benefits from our close relationship, and as India continues to develop economically, it remains in both countries interest to continue to build on this partnership”

“We must continue to share the knowledge and information that will enable and support developing countries to better their citizen’s lives. Our nations share a common goal and we strive to make the world a better place”