Without the reform and revitalization of their higher education systems, the developing countries will find it increasingly difficult to benefit from the global knowledge economy. The purpose of this special session is to review the intellectual resources availabe to strengthening in-country capacity, both human and institutional, for systematic analysis of higher education development and the formulation of a sound public policy. Special attention will be given to the role of new institutional actors such as bilateral agencies and multilateral development banks, private foundations as well as international private providers of higher education, non-profit and commercial. Participation is by invitation.