BANGKOK, June 09, 2022 – Education Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones on Monday underscored the importance of collaboration among ministers in responding to the challenges in education during the 2nd Asia-Pacific Regional Education Minister’s Conference (APREMC II) in Thailand.

“Never before have we felt the need to work together to achieve a common goal. 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,” Secretary Briones stated to fellow education ministers and international officials during a high-level plenary session with the topic, ‘Transforming Education in the Asia-Pacific Region’.

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 APREMC II is 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.

Sec. Briones, who is also the Vice Chair of the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO) Council, highlighted the best practices and commitment of the council in 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”, Briones 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 aims to accelerate the identification and agreement on strategies for learning recovery and system transformation beyond COVID-19.

One of the highlights of the conference is the special lecture delivered by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of Thailand during the Opening Ceremony.

Sec. Briones was accompanied by Legal Undersecretary Josephine Maribojoc, ALS Assistant Secretary GH Ambat, Planning Director Roger Masapol, International Cooperation Office Director Margarita Ballesteros, Regional Director Art Bayocot during the three-day high-level forum.

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.

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