Closing remark by Dr Hubert Gijzen,
Director of UNESCO Jakarta Office
1st General Assembly of
Forum of Asia Pacific Parliamentarians for Education (FASPPED)
7 July 2010, Jakarta
Speaker of the House of Representatives of Indonesia,
Honourable Ministers,
Distinguished Parliamentarians,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
We have come to the end of the first session of the General Assembly of FASPPED
( Forum of Asia Pacific Parliamentarians for Education).
This marks a historic moment in time, because basically what we all have achieved here together is that we made a substantial commitment. A commitment to share, a commitment to learn from each other, a commitment to work together, all with one higher objective in mind, namely to achieve quality education for all in the Asia Pacific region.
More than 60 participants from 27 Asia Pacific countries have gathered in Jakarta to:
- exchange information about national education status and trends
- share ideas on national efforts to achieve EFA goals
- reflect on that ways to plan and implement educational strategies and legislations.
We all have gained knowledge and expanded insight.
Let me begin by congratulating all the participants of the meeting for the significant amount of work that you have accomplished during the past two days.
I particularly wish to thank the Chairperson, the two Vice-Chairpersons and the Rapporteur of the Bureau who have ensured smooth running of the discussion of the meeting.
Chairperson of the Bureau:
Ms Nurhayati Ali Assegaf, Vice-Chairperson of the Indonesian Committee for Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation (Indonesia)
Vice Chairpersons of the Bureau:
Mrs Tehmina Daultana, MP (Pakistan)
Mr Nidel Lorak, Minister of Education (Marshall Islands)
Rapporteur of the Bureau:
Mr Mohamed Shahru Osman, MP (Malaysia)
1st Day:
- Representatives from UNDP, UNICEF and the World Bank spoke about their approach and perspective on EFA;
- Participants from 22 Countries shared their experience of national policy planning and making, to guarantee the right to education
- I take this opportunity to thank Mr. Ahmed Ben Saad Al Mofareh, President of FARPED (Forum of Arab Parliamentarians for Education) from Saudi Arabia and Ms Rosemary Nansubuga Seninde, Vice-President of FAPED (Forum of Africa Parliamentarians for Education) from Uganda who gave pertinent presentations and valuable insights on the way forward
2nd Day:
- HE. Ms Ani Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, The First Lady's inspiring presentation on Indonesia's "Smart program", her initiative to eradicate illiteracy and expand the window of knowledge amongst the children of Indonesia, was certainly a highlight of the meeting for many of us;
- Amendment of FASPPED Statutes generated stimulating, sometimes even heated debate which I believe is a reflection of everyone's will, dedication and enthusiasm to attain the objectives of FASPPED;
- The adopted Jakarta Action Plan will be a valuable instrument for all the FASPPED members for advancing the cause of education in the region.
I wish to congratulate the newly elected Executive Bureau Members of FASPPED:
President:
Iran
Immediate Past President:
Indonesia
Vice-Presidents:
Republic of Korea
Bangladesh
Philippines Vietnam
Samoa
Let us welcome the new ExB members and wish them all success in the next term.
After two days of intense discussion on the ways and means of cooperation for the improvement of inclusive education policies, it is my hope that your commitment to the development of national education system has been reinforced and the network of Asia Pacific Parliamentarians strengthened.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights which was adopted in 1948 stipulates "Everyone has the right to education". Education for all (EFA) is not a mere slogan, but a fundamental human right, which must find its natural place in constitutions, laws and practices. FASPPED Members hold a key position to make this a reality.
EFA is the cornerstone of UNESCO's work in education. It also plays a vital role towards Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Adapting a holistic approach to education and ensuring education for sustainable development will accelerate the progress of EFA.
Last but certainly not least, I wish once again to express UNESCO's sincere and deepest appreciation to the House of Representatives of Indonesia for having so generously hosted this meeting.
UNESCO on its part will continue to spare no effort to stand behind FASPPED.
Thank you for your attention.