The First Session of the Committee of the Asia-Pacific Regional Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications in Higher Education

The First Session of the Committee of the Asia-Pacific Regional Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications in Higher Education also referred to as the Tokyo Convention, will be held from 18-19 October 2018, in Seoul, Republic of Korea.

The Tokyo Convention entered into force on 1 February 2018, after the ratification of five UNESCO Member States – Australia, China, Japan, New Zealand and the Republic of Korea. It is a revision of the 1983 Bangkok Convention to respond to significant changes in higher education in recent decades, which provides a mechanism for countries in the Asia-Pacific region to facilitate recognition of higher education qualifications through increased information and transparency. Ratification of the Convention demonstrates a country’s commitment to the improved mobility of students and academics within Asia and the Pacific, while also strengthening collaboration and solidarity across the region.

During the session, State Parties will discuss the implementation of the Tokyo Convention, including the establishment of a network of national information centres (NICs) that will support information sharing related to academic recognition and mobility. In addition, delegates will explore the Global Convention on the Recognition of Higher Education Qualifications and other regional conventions, especially the Lisbon Convention concerning the European Region, during the “Tokyo-Lisbon Dialogue”.

Subsequently, the 15th session of the Committee of the 1983 Convention will be held to review readiness related to ratification of the Tokyo Convention. In addition, participants will be invited to a Regional Workshop to build awareness and capacity for policy coherence in quality assurance, qualification frameworks and recognition of qualifications to facilitate cross-border mobility.

With the support of the Korean Ministry of Education and Korean Fund in Trust, representatives of State and Non-State Parties to the Regional Conventions and invited guests will join this upcoming event.

For more information about the Tokyo Convention and Bangkok Convention, please contact UNESCO Bangkok at: eisd.bgk@unesco.org or click here.

Resources

• Regional Convention in Asia and the Pacific: Tokyo Convention, Bangkok Convention
• Concept Note