Bangkok, 21 October – An urgent call for the collaborative reimagination of education systems for all and the promotion of lifelong learning were at the core of the 3rd International Conference on Equitable Education, which was hosted by UNESCO and the Equitable Education Fund (EEF) Thailand and partners from 18 to 19 October in Nonthaburi, Thailand.
Held under the theme "Reimagining Education, Co-Creating Lifelong Learning for Youth and Adults," the conference drew approximately 260 on-site attendees – among them education experts, policymakers and youth leaders – with over 3,000 additionally joining online, to focus on flexible learning opportunities, skills development for all, and international collaboration.
Marina Patrier, Deputy Director of the UNESCO Regional Office in Bangkok, highlighted the critical importance of a whole-of-society approach to building more equitable learning systems and making lifelong learning accessible to all. "In a world where technology and industries evolve so rapidly, lifelong learning is essential," she stressed, while citing the critical importance of teacher's voices to innovative policy development.
Thailand's Deputy Minister of Education, Surasak Phancharoenworakul, underscored the importance of regional collaboration to ensure that all children have access to quality education and lifelong learning opportunities. "It requires our joint efforts to reach our shared goals," he stated, while underscoring Thailand's commitment to the region's educational equity agenda.
The conference also prioritized the inclusion of youth as a key issue. Nurhayati Sultan, co-founder of Youth Empowerment and Digital Literacy at the Rohingya Maìyafuìnor Collaborative Network, shared how refugees are excluded from the education system and called for their access to education. Nada Binroheem, president of the Children and Youth Council of Thailand, spoke about the unique challenges faced by youth from migrant and poor Muslim communities in Pattani Province, Thailand, suggesting that they be welcomed to work with education policymakers.
Embracing the perspective of youth informed the remarks of Severine Leonardi, Deputy Representative of UNICEF Thailand, who outlined five key policy priorities: student-centered learning, inclusive digital learning, investment in early years, skills-based education, and strengthened teacher training.
Other dominant themes included the importance of how learning must be innovative and adaptable; the potential of technology as a tool for fostering a more inclusive learning environment; and engagement with local communities for local solutions and sustainable development.
John Arnold Siena, Deputy Director for Programme and Development of the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO) Secretariat, highlighted how investments in education should focus on addressing equity because "leveraging technology can significantly improve access to education for marginalized children." He noted, "Empowering communities with targeted support is essential to ensure that solutions are inclusive and effective for all."
Cahyo Prihadi, Director of Monitoring and Evaluation at the Programme Management Office of Kartu Prakerja, Republic of Indonesia, observed that technology plays a vital role in enhancing program outcomes, saying, "Reducing inequality in lifelong learning requires a comprehensive, customer-centric approach that addresses access, relevance, and inclusivity."
Dr Kraiyos Patrawart, Managing Director of EEF, called the event "a significant milestone in promoting equitable education." He indicated that while the focus is on engagement for impact in the 'All for Education' movement, the Equitable Education Alliance can be the platform for a community of practice for equitable education. "Our efforts toward equitable education will continue."
The conference was the third in the series since it was launched in 2021. A full version of the conference's outcome document will be available on the conference website at https://afe2024.eef.or.th/ at a later date.
