This statement was adopted by more than 300 participants representing 92 governments and 25 international organizations who met in Salamanca, Spain, to promote inclusive education. The statement and accompanying framework for action represent a worldwide consensus on future directions for special needs education. The statement affirms the right to education of every individual regardless of individual differences, within the regular education system and the right of children with special educational needs to receive whatever extra support they may require to ensure their effective education. Governments are urged to give the highest policy and budgetary priority to improve education systems; adopt the principle of inclusive education; invest greater effort in early identification, intervention, and vocational education; and take other actions. The international community is urged to intensify its involvement in inclusive education. A framework for action offers guidelines for action at the national level, in the following areas: policy and organization, school factors, recruitment and training of educational personnel, external support services, priority areas, community perspectives, and resource requirements. Additional guidelines are offered for action at the regional and international level. (JDD)