This report of a 1994 World Conference on Special Needs Education affirms the principle of "Education for All" and the specific concept of inclusion of students with special educational needs in schools throughout the world. The conference was represented by 92 governments and 25 international organizations. The text of the Salamanca Statement and Framework for Action is provided, along with background information which addresses new thinking in special needs education and guidelines for action at the national, regional, and international levels. Conference summaries are presented on the following conference themes: policy and legislation, school perspectives, community perspectives, and partnership and networking. Specific topics include: legislation to ensure rights of individuals with disabilities; policy regarding integration and separate provision for education for students with disabilities; policies on curriculum; funding and organizational support for inclusion education; teacher education for inclusion; the role of parents and organizations; partnerships between government and organizations; and the role of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Appendices include: two opening addresses by Federico Mayor and Gustavo Suarez Pertierra, a list of conference committees and conference papers and authors, and a list of conference participants by country. (SW)