Promoting fair recognition of higher education qualifications

Overview

The UNESCO Regional Convention on the Recognition of Studies, Diplomas and Degrees in Higher Education in Asia and the Pacific (Bangkok Convention) was first adopted in Bangkok in 1983. To better reflect the significant changes that have taken place in the region since that time, UNESCO Member States agreed to update and amend the Convention at the International Conference of States, held in Tokyo, Japan in 2011. The new Convention, entitled the Asia-Pacific Regional Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications in Higher Education (Tokyo Convention) seeks to ensure that studies, diplomas, and degrees in higher education are recognised as widely as possible, considering the great diversity of educational systems in the Asia-Pacific region and the richness of its cultural, social, political, religious, and economic backgrounds.

Regional Committee and related events from 2011

• Third Session of the Tokyo Convention Committee in conjunction with the First Plenary of the Asia-Pacific Network of National Information Centres (APNNIC) held virtually from 14-15 October 2021
• Second Session of the Committee of the Asia-Pacific Regional Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications in Higher Education (The Tokyo Convention Committee), held in conjunction with the Sixteenth Session of the 1983 Convention Committee and the Regional Workshop on Launching the Asia-Pacific Network of National Information Centres from 19-20 September 2019 in Bangkok, Thailand
• First Session of the Committee of the Asia-Pacific Regional Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications in Higher Education, 18-19 October 2018, Seoul, Republic of Korea
• Second Regional Capacity Building Workshop on the Recognition of Higher Education Qualifications in Asia and the Pacific, 1-2 June 2017, Beijing, China
• 14th Session of the Regional Committee on the Recognition of Qualifications in Higher Education in Asia and the Pacific in conjunction with the Asia-Pacific regional workshop on Education 2030, 17-18 August 2016, Sydney, Australia 
• Regional Capacity Building Workshop on the Recognition of Higher Education Qualifications in Asia and the Pacific, 21-23 October 2015, Bangkok, Thailand
• 13th Session of the Regional Committee on the Recognition of Qualifications in Higher Education in Asia and the Pacific, 4-5 August 2014, Colombo, Sri Lanka
• 12th Session of the Regional Committee on the Recognition of Qualifications in Higher Education in Asia and the Pacific, 21-23 May 2013, Bangkok, Thailand 
• 11th Session of the Regional Committee on the Recognition of Studies, Diplomas and Degrees in Higher Education in Asia and the Pacific in Conjunction with the Expert Seminar on the National Information Centers, 23-24 May 2012, Seoul, Republic of Korea
• International Conference of States with a view to Adoption of the Revised 1983 Regional Convention on Recognition of Studies, Diplomas and Degrees in Higher Education in Asia and the Pacific, 25-26 November 2011, Tokyo, Japan

Resources & publications

• Asia-Pacific Network of National Information Centres (APNNIC)
• Asia-Pacific Regional Statements: Promoting fair and transparent recognition of higher education qualifications
• Regional Convention in Asia and the Pacific : Bangkok Convention, Tokyo Convention
• Global Convention on the Recognition of Higher Education Qualifications Project (UNESCO Headquarter)
• Guidelines for National Information Centres: A Reference for Asia-Pacific Practitioners (2014, PDF)
• Toolkit for the Recognition of Foreign Qualifications: A Reference for Asia-Pacific Practitioners (2013, PDF)
• The International Mobility of Students in Asia and the Pacific (2013, PDF)
• Handbook on Diplomas, Degrees and other Certificates in Higher Education in Asia and the Pacific (2nd Edition, 2004, PDF)
• Rules of Procedure for the Tokyo Convention Committee – adopted at the first session of the Committee of the Asia-Pacific Regional Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications in Higher Education (the Tokyo Convention), Seoul, 18 October 2018
• Rules of Procedure for the Bangkok Convention Committee – adopted at its first session of the Regional Committee, Bangkok, 12-15 February 1990, Amendments adopted at the 15th Session of the Regional Committee, Seoul, 19 October 2018
• European Network of Information Centres (ENIC) and National Academic Recognition Information Centres (NARIC)