The recent three-day Regional Conference on Educational Planning in Asia-Pacific, held from November 5 to 7, 2024, concluded with a powerful call for enhanced regional cooperation to address the dynamic educational needs of the Asia-Pacific region.
Organized by the UNESCO International Institute for Educational Planning (IIEP) in collaboration with SEAMEO INNOTECH, the Department of Education (DepEd), and the UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines, the conference convened major educational stakeholders to discuss strategies for future educational planning and management.
Participants from across Asia-Pacific engaged in rich exchanges on best practices, insights, and strategies, focusing on vital issues such as improving access to quality education, embracing digital transformation, and establishing effective monitoring systems to measure the impact of educational policies. Discussions also covered frameworks for evaluating student learning outcomes, with a view to enhancing both quality and sustainability in the region’s education systems.
Key strategies that emerged from the conference emphasized the importance of collaboration, data-driven planning, and policy refinement to meet the diverse needs of learners. The event highlighted the importance of capacity building through professional development programs tailored for educational planners and leaders, as well as the creation and sharing of Open Educational Resources (OER) to expand educational access. A notable outcome was the proposal to establish a Community of Practice (CoP) to sustain collaborative knowledge exchange and promote evidence-based approaches to educational reform and digital transformation.
Reflecting on the event, IIEP-UNESCO Director Martin Benavides underscored the need for integrated efforts across training, research, and community practice to achieve a unified objective in educational planning. He stressed the balance between data and evidence in shaping effective policies that address the unique challenges of the region.
The closing remarks by SEAMEO INNOTECH Deputy Director Kochakorn Khattapan-Acidre reinforced the need to sustain the conference’s momentum. “As we move forward, let us carry the spirit of this workshop with us, continuing to research, innovate, and collaborate for inclusive, quality education for all. Let us ensure every child, regardless of background, can reach their full potential,” Khattapan-Acidre urged.
With SEAMEO INNOTECH’s Center Director Leonor Magtolis Briones at the helm, the organization reaffirmed its dedication to fostering educational innovation and collaboration across the region. Its ongoing commitment to strengthening partnerships aims to support adaptable and inclusive education systems capable of meeting the evolving needs of Southeast Asia and beyond.
