"Integrating computers and education is essential in the 21st century," said Barrett, who also chairs the United Nations Global Alliance for Information and Communication Technologies and Development. "The new technologies and trends that are transforming the global economy will influence the future of today's students, both personally and professionally."

Barrett delivered his speech at one of Romania's most prestigious institutions of higher education: UPB is nearly 200 years old and has a student body of around 26,000. Speaking to students from information technology departments as well as professors from other Bucharest universities, Barrett encouraged the listeners to broaden their options for the future by learning as much as they can with the help of information and communications technologies (ICT).

During his visit in Romania, Barrett also met with government officials to discuss how Intel can support the Romanian government's plan to strengthen its strategy for technology-assisted education. One existing effort is the Intel Teach program, which is designed to enhance classroom learning by training teachers to integrate technology into the curriculum. Intel teamed with Romanian software developer SIVECO to help administer the training and expects that 35,000 Romanian teachers will complete the Intel Teach program in the coming years.

The Intel chairman ended his day with the local American Chamber of Commerce at a forum at the National Museum of Art of Romania. Barrett talked about how Romania can take advantage of ICT to be competitive despite being one of the newest members of the European Union.

He believes investments in ICT infrastructure deployment such as Internet access and broadband technology are vital to economic development and job creation. The forum drew approximately 100 people, including government representatives and key IT managers in Romanian Ministries, education officials and advisors, local IT leaders, and private-sector CEOs from Romania's largest companies.

Barrett's current trip to Europe is expected to be his last as an ambassador for the Intel World Ahead Program: in January, he announced his intention to retire as Intel's chairman in May.

Through its World Ahead Program, Intel strives to improve education, health care, entrepreneurship, and government services in developing countries worldwide by accelerating access to computers, connectivity, and localized Internet content.