To be able to respond to the ever-changing challenges in education, Education Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones underscored the importance of inter-ministerial collaboration in the Asia-Pacific Education Minister’s conference
“Never before have we felt the need to work together to achieve a common goal,” Briones said during the 2nd Asia-Pacific Regional Education Minister’s Conference (APREMC II) in Thailand.
“By amplifying our strengths through collaborative and strategic partnerships, I am confident that we will triumph over all these difficulties to promote sustainability and resilience in the futures of education,” she added.
Briones highlighted this need to her fellow education ministers and international officials during a high-level plenary session on the topic, “Transforming Education in the Asia-Pacific Region.”
The APREMC II was organized by UNESCO in collaboration with UNICEF, the Ministry of Education of Thailand, and the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) of Japan.
The three-day high-level forum was a follow-up to the Global Education Meeting (GEM) 2021 eyed to analyze progress made in the Asia-Pacific region towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all) amidst pandemic-related challenges.
Briones, who is also the Vice Chair of the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO) Council, also highlighted the best practices and commitment of the council to ensuring education continuity.
“We would like to call for the collaboration from partners in 7 key priority areas of SEAMEO, especially in capacity building and training activities, research and development, exchange and mobility programs,” she said.
With the theme “Education Recovery and Transformation towards more Responsive, Relevant and Resilient Education Systems: Accelerating progress towards SDG 4-Education 2030,” the conference also aimed to accelerate the identification and agreement on strategies for learning recovery and system transformation beyond Covid-19.
Among the highlights of the conference is the special lecture delivered by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of Thailand during the Opening Ceremony.
Aside from education ministers from 46 regional member states of UNESCO, the forum was also attended by national SDG 4 coordinators, NGO and CSO representatives, and youth members --- among others.