JAKARTA, 6 October 2023 – Today, the 18th ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting on Education (18th SOM-ED) and Related Meetings concluded with significant milestone as it convened virtually on 5-6 October 2023.
The two-day event was hosted by the Vietnamese Ministry of Education and Training and brought together senior officials representing ASEAN Member States, the Plus Three (+3) countries as well as East Asia Summit (EAS) countries. Also in attendance were partner organisations and Timor-Leste as observer.
One of the highlights of the 18th SOM-ED meeting was the comprehensive discussion on the Midterm Review of the ASEAN Workplan on Education 2021-2025. The meeting commended the progress made in realising the objectives set forth in the work plan. The senior officials also underscored the urgent need to strengthen collaborative efforts at the regional level to sustain and ensure the achievement of the remaining targets by 2025.
In addition, the meeting served as a platform to share milestones achieved since the 17th SOM-ED last year. Among them were the adoption of the ASEAN Leaders’ Declaration on Early Childhood Care and Education in Southeast Asia and the Declaration on Digital Transformation of Education Systems in ASEAN, the development of the Roadmap on the Declaration on Digital Transformation of Education Systems in ASEAN, the publication of the inspiring success stories of TVET from ASEAN Plus Three Countries, and the on-going implementation of Phase I of the Intra-ASEAN Scholarship Program for ASEAN Nationals.
Notably, the event featured updates on key regional initiatives on education from partners including the ASEAN University Network, SEAMEO Secretariat, RECOTVET, the British Council, and the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry, further enriching the dialogue and collaborations.
At the 13th SOM-ED+3 and 8th EAS SOM-ED, participating countries reiterated their commitment to collaborate and further strengthen existing education cooperation with ASEAN. The 18th SOM-ED and Related Meetings not only facilitated meaningful dialogue but also reaffirmed a collective commitment to foster a prosperous and inclusive future through education.
Viet Nam, in its capacity as the chair of SOM-ED, appreciated the ASEAN Member States and partners’ unwavering support throughout its tenure. Thailand, the incoming Chair of the ASEAN education sector, will assume the title on 1 January 2024 and host the 13th ASEAN Education Ministers Meeting (ASED) and Related Meetings next year.
Source : asean.org