The first World Congress of Colleges and Polytechnics was held during May 29-June 1 1999 at the Quebec Convention Centre, Quebec City. It was hosted by Association of Canadian Community Colleges in collaboration with the Council of Ministers of Education, Canada with the assistance of the Government of Canada. It was co-hosted by:

Arab Federation of Technical Education
Association of American Community Colleges
Association of Colleges (UK)
Association of Polytechnics of New Zealand
Colombo Plan Staff College for Technical Education
Committee of Technical College Principals (South Africa)
Commonwealth Africa Polytechnics Association
CONALEP (Mexico)
Hungarian College Directors’ Conference
Indian Society for Technical Education
Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO)
UNESCO
World Federation of Technology Organizations

Each day the Congress addressed a particular theme. A keynote speaker discussed the theme and expert panels, comprised of representatives from a variety of regions, would then expand on it. Congress delegates would join their network groups which were led by facilitators to share experiences and ideas on the theme and create a future agenda around that theme.

The theme for May 29 was An Agenda for the future, the International Community of Colleges and Polytechnics.

The theme for May 30 was Emerging Trends and Challenges in Human Resources Development.

The theme for May 31 was How will Colleges and Polytechnics meet these challenges?

The theme for June 1 was Setting the agenda for the Future.

Concurrent presentations/workshops were also held during two afternoons and the last morning of the congress. Practitioners from many countries presented ideas, successes and concepts that have worked in their respective system.

The Congress also featured the Marketplace’99, a venue for exhibitors to showcase the best information technologies and services available.

His Royal Highness Prince El Hassan bin Talal of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan delivered keynote address at the official opening on May 29.

SEAMEO Secretariat Director, Dr Suparak Racha-Intra, presented a paper at the concurrent session on May 31, on the "Role of Regional Organizations in Education" and Deputy Director of Programme and Marketing, Mr Abdul Wahid bin Sulaiman also served as a resource person in the session "International Internships for Canadian Youth." on the same day.

Last updated:  09 November 2001