JAKARTA, March 21, 2017 – Global experts in education, including top government officials from high-performing countries, gathered in the Indonesian capital today calling for more policy and public advocacy for equitable and quality education services.
Almost 100 education experts and policy makers from 20 countries attended the international education conference titled “Learning for All: Shared Principles for Equitable and Excellent Basic Education Systems”. Organized by the Indonesian Ministry of Education, the event was supported by the Government of Australia and the World Bank.
Australian Deputy Ambassador to Indonesia, Dr Justin Lee, reiterated Australia’s strong commitment to work in partnership with the Government of Indonesia to improve quality and governance of basic education,
“We believe that the best path to continued growth is to have a vibrant, well-educated, highly skilled, and technologically competent workforce which is a product of a high quality education system that serves all equally,” said Deputy Ambassador Lee.
World Bank Country Director Rodrigo Chaves said improving the quality of education is key to achieving a more equitable, sustainable and prosperous Indonesia.
“Education is a potent vehicle for reducing poverty and inequality and for laying the basis for sustained economic growth. A strong educational system can help level the playing field and give each and every citizen of Indonesia an equal chance to reach their full potential and excel as highly educated and skilled global citizens,” said Chaves.
The three-day conference in Jakarta follows a global conference in Shanghai in May 2016. Participants will share lessons about best practices and excellent education systems from across the world.
The key themes of the conference include better learning outcomes for students, effective teaching, early childhood development and non-cognitive skills, best practices in school financing, and balancing school autonomy and accountability.
“East Asia and Pacific is home to some of the best performing students, and yet some countries in the region don’t perform well. It’s important to share knowledge, experience and lessons that can guide the development of equitable and excellent education systems and this conference provides an opportunity to do just that,” said Tazeen Fasih, the World Bank Education Team Lead for Indonesia.
