EDUCATION Secretary Leonor Briones underscored the importance of collaboration among ministers in Asia-Pacific region in responding to the challenges in education.

“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,” Briones said at the 2nd Asia-Pacific Regional Education Minister’s Conference in Thailand.

A high-level plenary session was held with the topic “Transforming Education in the Asia-Pacific Region.”

Briones, who is also the vice chairman of the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization 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,” she said.

Organized by UNESCO in collaboration with UNICEF, the Ministry of Education of Thailand and the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan, the APREMC II is a follow-up to the Global Education Meeting 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) amid pandemic-related challenges.