Speeches

The Vision of Education Reform in the United States: Secretary Arne Duncan's Remarks to United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Paris, France

It is an absolute honor to address UNESCO. During the last 65 years, UNESCO has done so much to advance the cause of education and gender equity, alleviate poverty, and promote peace. When UNESCO was founded in 1945, much of Europe, Russia, and Japan lay in ruin.

The Link Between Standards and Innovation: Secretary Arne Duncan's Remarks to Innovate to Educate Symposium, Richmond, VA

It is pleasure to be here today.

Thank you, Governor McDonnell for convening such a great group of leaders to discuss how Virginians can use innovation to drive education reform.

Today, I want to discuss the often neglected link between standards and innovation. Even the very words "standards" and "innovation" seem at odds with each other.

Agricultural Education in the 21st Century: Secretary Arne Duncan's Remarks at the FFA Convention

Thank you! What an incredible gathering we have here today! I look around this Field House, and I am so hopeful about the nation's future.

Education and International Competition: The Win-Win Game. Secretary Duncan's Remarks to the Council on Foreign Relations, New York City

It's great to be back before the Council on Foreign Relations. I am looking forward to a spirited discussion with your members.

I want to talk briefly today about my article in the forthcoming Foreign Affairs on education and international competitiveness, and then turn over the discussion to my good friend and moderator, New York's chancellor Joel Klein.

"Call to Service" Lecture at Harvard University

Good evening and thank you so much for this honor. There is no greater honor than service. There is no greater reward than service. And today, as all of you know, there is no greater need.

Attorneys and the Higher Calling: Secretary Duncan's Remarks to the American Bar Association Litigation Section, Chicago, Illinois

It's great to be back in Chicago. There seems to be a lot going on here these days. . . And it is great to see so many friends and leaders from the bar who have fought tirelessly to close achievement gaps and advance educational equity in our nation's schools.

The Linchpin: The New Mission of Community Colleges

Thank you, Dr. Biden. Your leadership, your knowledge, and your passion about community colleges are without precedent in the hallways of the White House.

The Greening of the Department of Education: Secretary Duncan's Remarks at the Sustainability Summit

Thank you for your leadership on this vital issue and for being part of our summit on sustainability. This event is a big deal for our team at the Department of Education.

Citizenship and Pathways for a Green Economy: Remarks by Under Secretary Martha Kanter at the Sustainability Education Summit

Opening

In last year's address at the U.N. Summit on Climate Change, President Obama left no doubt: it is imperative that we act now to create a sustainable future.

College-Ready Students and Student-Ready Colleges: Remarks of Deputy Secretary Tony Miller at the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Conference

Thank you, Thelma, for that generous introduction. I am delighted and honored to be here in Secretary Duncan's place. He has always enjoyed the opportunity to speak and meet with HBCU presidents. He sends his regrets that he could not join you. But I know that improving the education of all students—but especially for students of color--is never far from his mind.