Education is at the forefront of global discussions this year, being one of the goals reviewed at the High Level Political Forum (HLPF) in New York last July 2019, along with other SDGs (8, 10, 13, 16 and 17)[1]. Under the theme empowering people and ensuring inclusiveness and equality, education or SDG4 was a major contributor to this HLPF discussions. A total of 47 countries conducted their Voluntary National Reviews at the HLPF, of which almost 1/3 or 13 countries[2] are from the Asia-Pacific region.
At the regional level, the Asia-Pacific Regional Thematic Working Group on Education 2030+ which is co-chaired by UNESCO and UNICEF, is actively leading the SDG4 efforts and initiatives in this region and regularly contributes to global discussions both at High Level Political Forum and Global Steering Committee meetings.
After almost 5 years since the adoption of the Education 2030 agenda, the Regional Thematic Working Group on Education 2030+ led by UNESCO Bangkok and UNICEF will embark on its first regional progress review of SDG4 to: a) contribute in shaping the agenda and discussions of the Asia-Pacific ministerial meeting on education in 2020; b) fast-track SDG4 implementation at the national level; d) contribute to the global discussions on SDG4; and c) prepare countries for the midterm review in 2023. Taking into consideration the inputs gathered during the 5th APMED, a small group expert meeting will be held in Bangkok, Thailand to further discuss the methodologies and scope of the 5-year progress review.
To access the concept note of the meeting, please click here.
When: 14-15 November 2019
Where: The Landmark Bangkok
Who: experts, development partners and NGOs
Main photo credit: Getty Images/virojt
[1] Goal 8 (decent work and economic growth), Goal 10 (reduced inequalities), Goal 13 (climate action), Goal 16 (peace, justice and strong institutions) and Goal 17 (partnerships for the goals)
[2]Cambodia, Fiji, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Nauru, New Zealand, Pakistan, Palau, Philippines, Timor Leste, Turkmenistan and Vanuatu
