The 14 chapters in this book address education policy as it is being implemented in three worldregions, Africa, the Caribbean, and the Middle East. The diverse authors utilize original localdata, interpreting it to describe policy development and implementation across a range of nationswho share commonalities but also differences.The chapters begin with the premise that policy must respond to the needs of the citizenry and tothe challenges faced by each society internally as well as globally. Meeting the challenge offrequently competing existing needs while addressing educational development to prepare forfuture needs, is an ongoing task for policymakers.The researchers authoring the book's chapters are aware of competing challenges and of the need for frequent revision of educationalpolicy as well as continuing support for its implementation. They base their conclusions and the implications offered on the data whiletaking into account the culture within which successful and appropriate policy must be implemented. The implications have relevancefor any society in the world as diversity exists everywhere so all societies are experiencing challenges generated by ourinterdependence with each other.