The 46th SEAMEO High Officials Meeting, held from 28 to 30 November 2023, in Bangkok, Thailand, marked a pivotal moment for education leaders, policymakers, and practitioners across Southeast Asia. The event, attended by high officials from all education ministries in the region, showcased a commitment to collaboration, innovation, and the pursuit of excellence in education. The meeting began with the gracious presence of the Minister of Education, Thailand, H E Pol Gen Permpoon Chidchob, who not only inaugurated the event but also presented prestigious awards, namely the 2023 SEAMEO - Japan ESD Award, the 2023 SEAMEO-Australia Education Links Award, and the Southeast Asian Waste Hero Awards. These accolades celebrated outstanding contributions to education and environmental stewardship in the Southeast Asian region. The inclusive atmosphere of the meeting extended beyond national borders, with the high officials, representatives from Associate Member Countries, Affiliate Members, and a multitude of partners in attendance. This diverse gathering facilitated rich discussions and the sharing of innovative approaches to address the evolving challenges in education.

Two noteworthy additions to the meeting’s agenda were the first SEAMEO Strategic Workshop on Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning, a pivotal step towards aligning SEAMEO-wide activities, and the Special Session: High Officials-SEAMEO Centre Directors Dialogue. This special session provided SEAMEO Regional Centres and Network with a platform to present their programmes and interact with high officials. The meeting foyer housed the Friends of SEAMEO Gallery programme, or FoSG, an exhibition showcasing organisations within SEAMEO’s expansive network. This interactive space served as a testament to the collaborative spirit and collective achievements within the SEAMEO community.

A significant highlight of the event was the Global Education Monitoring (GEM) Regional Report Launch 2023, centred around the theme “Technology in Education.” The launch featured impactful videos capturing the voices of teachers, learners, and policymakers in Southeast Asia, providing a nuanced perspective on the role of technology in education. The ensuing highlevel policy dialogue aimed to unpack policy recommendations emanating from the report, while a multi-stakeholder panel discussion delved into areas of support and collaboration to implement educational technology initiatives. In summary, the 46th SEAMEO High Officials Meeting served as a dynamic platform for education leaders to collaborate, share insights, and celebrate the achievements of the region’s educational landscape. The emphasis on strategic workshop, dialogue session, and thematic report launch underscored the commitment to advancing education through innovation and cooperation across Southeast Asia.