HONG KONG, February 23, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- As city and nation states battle to emerge from recession, governments around the world expect higher education to play an important part in economic recovery and in influencing their position on the world stage. An expanding middle class in the developing world, growing demand for an internationalized workforce and tighter government budgets have prompted academic institutions to look beyond geographic borders for growth. We are seeing a widespread - and rapid - internationalisation of higher education.

Going Global 2011, one of the world's largest international education conferences, will take place March 11-12 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Hosted by the British Council with the support of the Education Bureau of the Hong Kong SAR, it will gather industry leaders and policymakers, including over 250 speakers from 70 countries. Hong Kong Chief Executive Donald Tsang will deliver the conference's opening speech.

Sessions will revolve around the theme "World Education: the new powerhouse?" and explore issues including the following:

-- Over the last decade, the UK, the USA and Australia have continued to increase their numbers of international students. Yet there has only been modest growth in the numbers of their students studying in Asia. How can 'one way' mobility be changed? -- Many countries aspire to be international or regional education hubs, but what is the reality? Which countries are investing the most in education? -- Is India equipped to meet challenges in higher education?

Martin Davidson, Chief Executive of the British Council, said: "For all nations higher education will play an important part in economic recovery. At Going Global we will debate the opportunities and challenges that this presents as well as how to create a platform for the development of partnerships and collaboration worldwide so we all share in these benefits."

EDUCATION INTELLIGENCE, a new global service devoted exclusively to international education, will be launched by the British Council prior to the conference. The service will provide research and data regarding student mobility trends and decision-making, international partnerships, and country-specific higher education environments. Attend the launch to prepare for the future.

For more conference information, please go to http://www.britishcouncil.org/goingglobal.htm

Media contact: Anna Esaki-Smith +852-2913-5140 anna.esaki-smith@britishcouncil.org.hk