ASEAN leaders issue Bangkok declaration on education

Providing inclusive, equitable and quality education will be a priority of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to empower the people to contribute to peace and progress in the region.

The regional leaders have issued the “Bangkok Declaration on Advancing Partnership in Education for 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in ASEAN” during the plenary summit on November 2, 2019.

They have emphasized “the crucial role of inclusive, equitable and quality education as well as the promotion of lifelong learning opportunities for all in realizing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.”

The leaders promised to ensure ASEAN children will have access to quality early childhood care and education so that they are ready for primary education.

To ensure qualified human resources to serve all sectors, the regional bloc committed to promote inclusive education at all levels of education and training to eliminate disparities for the vulnerable and marginalized those with special needs, and out-of-school children and youth.

They also agreed to equip learners with the 21st century skills through an integrated teaching and learning approach and innovation as well as encourage the application of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in teaching and learning, teacher training, as well as education management and leadership.

To meet the employment demands of the market, the regional leaders committed to enhance equitable access to quality and relevant Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and Higher Education as well as encourage the development and strengthening of Educational Management Information System (EMIS) and data utilization for monitoring the progress of Education for 2030 Agenda.