Southeast Asia is a region of striking contrasts, where diverse landscapes shape not only the lives of its people but also the educational systems within each country. These geographical differences give rise to unique educational realities, influencing the policies and reforms each nation undertakes to ensure that all students—regardless of their circumstances—have a fair opportunity to receive quality education.

The commitment to inclusive education remained at the heart of this year’s 47th SEAMEO High Officials Meeting, where the focus was not just on policy but on transforming the shared vision of inclusive education into meaningful action. Attended by Ministries of Education representatives from 11 Southeast Asian countries, the gathering provided a dynamic platform for discussion, collaboration, and the exchange of ideas that will drive regional progress.

As leaders who play an important role in shaping the development of children and youth, we must work together to cultivate understanding and create a new educational ecosystem that is compatible with the changing world.”

His Excellency Mr Surasak Phancharoenworakul
Deputy Minister of Education of Thailand

As leaders who play an important role in shaping the development of children and youth, we must work together to cultivate understanding and create a new educational ecosystem that is compatible with the changing world.”

His Excellency Mr Surasak Phancharoenworakul
Deputy Minister of Education of Thailand

Inclusivity is not just a principle – it is the foundation of everything we do.”

Datuk Dr Habibah Abdul Rahim
SEAMEO Secretariat Director

The meeting set the stage for ambitious reforms with the potential to reshape the educational landscape across Southeast Asia. Delegates from SEAMEO Member Countries, Affiliate and Associate Members, Regional Centres and Network, as well as partner organisations from Southeast Asia and beyond, gathered to share and discuss key initiatives and programmes aimed at improving education throughout the region.

Inclusivity is not just a principle - it is the foundation of everythying we do.”

Datuk Dr Habibah Abdul Rahim
SEAMEO Secretariat Director

Aligned with the theme of advancing inclusive education, the event featured sessions on important topics, such as the Consultative Meeting on the Regional Policy Mapping Study on Gender and Education (in collaboration with UNICEF EAPRO and UNESCO Bangkok), AI in Education (with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and TeachAI), and the launch of the Regional Report on Out-of-School Children and Youth (OOSCY), funded under the ASEAN-UK Supporting the Advancement of Girls Education (SAGE) Programme.

For the first time, key highlights from SEAMEO Centres Policy Research Network (CPRN) 2024, with the theme of Embracing Inclusivity In Education, Science And Culture Towards A Future- Ready Southeast Asia, were also shared with SEAMEO High Officials during a CPRN special session on 26 November.

The meeting highlighted the renewed commitment to regional cooperation. While each country faces its own set of challenges, there is a shared vision for the future of education in Southeast Asia. By working together, countries can pool resources, exchange best practices, and develop approaches that are relevant and appropriate to their respective education contexts.