SEAMEO education ministers call for greater focus on Millennium
Development Goals and post-2015 education agenda in implementing SEAMEO College

The Socialist Republic of Vietnam, through its Ministry of Education and Training and with support of the SEAMEO Secretariat convened the 47^th SEAMEO Council Conference at the Daewoo Hotel Hanoi, Vietnam from 19 to 21 March 2013 with more than 200 participants from 18 countries comprising education ministers, high-level government education officials, and representatives from international organizations from the SEAMEO Member Countries, Associate Members, Affiliate Members, Regional Centres and development partners.

During the Ministerial Round Table Meeting, important resolution of the SEAMEO Education Ministers include increased focus and support on the education-related millennium development goals (MDGs) and the post-2015 education agenda, particularly in implementing the SEAMEO College, a flagship project that was launched during the opening of the Conference. The Education Ministers directed the SEAMEO Regional Centres to initiate activities that are supportive of these education goals and programme, and introduce a forum for future leaders through SEAMEO College in support of ASEAN community.

Other important resolutions of the Conference includes the endorsement of Study of Efficiency of Investment in Education and Skills in SEAMEO Member Countries to be conducted jointly by SEAMEO and OECD, the support to the Princess Maha Chakri Award to be launched by Thailand in 2015, and the strengthening of partnerships with other organizations and agencies in support of the 10-year SEAMEO Strategic Plan and the overall goals of SEAMEO.

As host of the Conference, Vietnam espoused a policy forum on the theme “Lifelong Learning: Vision and Policy” which showcased experiences and perspectives on implementing lifelong learning initiatives in Southeast Asia and other regions.

The 47^th SEAMEO Council Conference also marked the accession of United Kingdom as Associate Member to SEAMEO, as well as the launch of SEAMEO College which introduces a platform for high-level discussions on forward-looking issues and concerns that will help prepare Southeast Asia for the challenges of the future, and support the ASEAN community. The Conference also witnessed the signing of the legal documents of the SEAMEO Centre on Lifelong Learning (SEAMEO CELLL), a new SEAMEO centre based in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam.

His Excellency Mr Truong Tan Sang, President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam addressed the delegations and presided over the Opening Ceremony on 20 March 2013. He underscored the geographical and political importance of Southeast Asia and its growing role in the world’s development. He stated that education and training is recognized as one of the focus in cooperation strategy of Southeast Asian countries. Finally, he acknowledged the contribution of SEAMEO to human resources development, and referred to it as the driving force behind the cooperation among member states in the region.

During the Conference, H E Prof Dr Pham Vu Luan, Minister of Education and Training, Vietnam was elected President of the SEAMEO Council, while H E Phongthep Thepkanjana, Minister of Education, Thailand was elected Vice President.

The summit of the education ministers and high-level education officials aims to foster stronger cooperation on education among Southeast Asian countries and beyond. Beginning in 2013, the SEAMEO Council Conference is convened biennially. The Conference is hosted by the Member Countries on rotation basis. Thailand will host the 48^thSEAMEO Council Conference in the year 2015.

The 47^th SEAMEO Council Conference in Photos

The Opening Ceremony

His Excellency Mr Truong Tan Sang, President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam addresses the Conference delegations and presides over the Opening Ceremony.	Songs and dances of Vietnamese school children adorn the Opening Ceremony of the 47th SEAMEO Council Conference.

H E Prof Pham Va Luan, Minister of Education and Training, Vietnam and elected President of the SEAMEO Council (left) presents a testimonial plaque to the outgoing President, H E Pehin Abu Bakar Apong, Minister of Education, Brunei Darussalam.

The Ministerial Round Table Meeting

Ministers and Heads of Delegations of Member Countries discuss on the need for SEAMEO to step up efforts towards attaining the education-related millennium development goals and planning for the post-EFA education agenda.

The Policy Forum

Invited presenters at the Policy Forum include (from left to right) 1) Mr Nguyen Cong Hinh, Director General, Continuing Education Department, MOET Vietnam; 2) Dr Claus Holm, Chairman, ASEM Lifelong Learning Hub; 3) Prof Dr Sumalee Sungsri, Professor, School of Educational Studies, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University, Thailand; 4) Prof Arne Carlsen, Director, UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning; 5) Mr Andreas Schleicher, Special Advisor on Education Policy to the Secretary-General and Deputy Director, Directorate for Education and Skills, OECD; and 6) Mr Le Huy Lam, Director, SEAMEO Centre on Lifelong Learning.

Accession of United Kingdom as Associate Member

(Left photo) H E Pehin Abu Bakar Apong, Minister of Education, Brunei Darussalam signs the Proclamation of United Kingdom as Associate Member to SEAMEO. (Right photo) Rt Hon David Jones MP, Secretary of State, Wales Office, United Kingdom receives the signed proclamation from HE Prof Dr Pham Vu Luan, Minister of Education and Training, Vietnam.

The Launch of SEAMEO College

Designated officials of SEAMEO participate in the ceremonial ribbon cutting during the launch of SEAMEO College including H E Prof Pham Va Luan, Minister of Education and Training, Vietnam, H E Pehin Abu Bakar Apong, Minister of Education, Brunei Darussalam, and Dr Witaya Jeradechakul, Director of SEAMEO Secretariat.

Joining them in the ceremony are Mr Shigeharu Kato, Director General for International Affairs, MEXT Japan; Mr Andrew Head, Deputy Country Director, Vietnam Resident Mission, ADB; and Mr Yasushi Hirosato, Principal Education Specialist, Human and Social Development Division, Southeast Asia Department, ADB

Signing of SEAMEO Statement and SEAMEO CELLL Legal Documents

Ministers and Heads of Delegations of Member Countries applaud after signing the SEAMEO Statement on Strategic Collaborations towards Regional Development. The statement declares the commitment of the Member Countries to support each other in attaining respective national development goals through strategic partnerships and maximizing expertise and resources of the SEAMEO Regional Centres.

HE Prof Dr Pham Vu Luan, Minister of Education and Training, Vietnam, and Dr Witaya Jeradechakul, Director of SEAMEO Secretariat sign the Memorandum of Agreement on the establishment of SEAMEO Centre on Lifelong Learning (SEAMEO CELLL) in Vietnam.H E Pehin Abu Bakar Apong, Minister of Education, Brunei Darussalam signed the Enabling Instrument of the new Centre.

Plenary Session

The Plenary Session of the 47^th SEAMEO Council Conference

Press Conference

Journalists and media representatives discuss with SEAMEO officials on the result and resolution of the 47^th SEAMEO Council Conference. The SEAMEO panel includes HE Prof Dr Pham Vu Luan, Minister of Education and Training, Vietnam, and HE Phongthep Thepkanjana, Minister of Education, Thailand, the newly-elected President and Vice President respectively of SEAMEO Council. The two ministers are joined by Mr Tran Ba Viet Dzung, Chair of the SEAMEO High Officials and Dr Witaya Jeradechakul, Director of SEAMEO Secretariat.

SEAMEO Awards