Ressources

This publication marks the conclusion of the collaborative national midterm reviews of SDG 4 achievement in the Asia-Pacific. More importantly, it represents the beginning of the final sprint to the 2030 finish line. It also serves as a comprehensive analytical and policymaking tool for all stakeholders in the region to reflect and be better prepared for the second half of the journey. At the midway point of implementing the Education 2030 Agenda, we are observing both challenges and progress in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) in the Asia-Pacific. The region, overall, has made advances in reaching the globally and regionally most important targets under SDG 4, yet it is still far from delivering the common commitment of the Education 2030 Agenda, to ‘ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all’. Eight years into implementation, the Asia-Pacific has shown progress, especially in improving access to lower levels of basic education, as well as expanding early childhood education (ECE). Across most subregions of Asia and the Pacific, over 95% of primary school students complete primary education within the expected timeframe, while more than 80% of children one year before the official primary entry age are enrolled in organized early childhood education. However, participation in education is only one part of the puzzle, and the quality of learning, evidenced by limited data for the Asia-Pacific region on learning outcomes, remains concerning. More than half of students in Eastern and South-Eastern Asia do not reach the minimum proficiency level in mathematics at the end of lower secondary education. Overall and from a regional perspective, with priorities having accelerated in ECE, primary education reaching universal participation, and higher education being consistently regarded as prestigious to accomplish, secondary education is currently the weakest link apart from the chronically undervalued technical vocational education and training path. Fulfilling our commitment to the Education 2030 Agenda and leaving no one behind is not an easy endeavour and we need everyone on board in this unprecedented, yet necessary feat. This publication is meant to facilitate taking stock of the current situation and accelerate focused advances on the most relevant education topics for the Asia-Pacific region.