Strategic Dialogue among Education Ministers Module 1 Lead Implementing Unit Dr. RAMON C. BACANI Centre Director, SEAMEO INNOTECH

Objectives To actively engage the Ministers of Education of the region towards setting a dynamic policy development process through ministerial and high profile strategic dialogues  To gain a deeper understanding of key education development issues and concerns among the SEAMEO Members  To establish a platform for sharing and exchange of ideas, insights and effective practices in education development  To gain further guidance on regional cooperative actions

Challenge  How could the SEAMEO College Ministerial Dialogue define itself from the other regional platforms?  Informal and consultative; even at agenda-setting  Open-ended discussions, but with definite purpose  Openness to actions under different frameworks (bilateral, multi-party and beyond)

Project Development Phases Agenda Setting SEAMEO Consultative Workshop on the Post Education AgendaSEAMEO Consultative Workshop on the Post Education Agenda Draws from findings of Delphi studyDraws from findings of Delphi study Drafting and review of outcome documentDrafting and review of outcome document Activity Planning Design and consultations on Ministerial retreat format and associated activitiesDesign and consultations on Ministerial retreat format and associated activities Development of forum documentsDevelopment of forum documents Engaging host ministry and other stakeholdersEngaging host ministry and other stakeholders

Project Development Phases Ministerial Dialogue 2-3 Day informal retreat with facilitator2-3 Day informal retreat with facilitator Limited group – Ministers & High OfficialsLimited group – Ministers & High Officials Areas of focus pre-determinedAreas of focus pre-determined Facilitated bilateral/multi-party meetingsFacilitated bilateral/multi-party meetings Follow- through Activities Documentation of proceedings and disseminating outcomes/agreementsDocumentation of proceedings and disseminating outcomes/agreements Evaluation and consolidating learningsEvaluation and consolidating learnings Setting agenda for succeeding Ministerial dialoguesSetting agenda for succeeding Ministerial dialogues

Proposed Theme Reflections on the regional education agenda: consolidating gains, confronting new challenges and building synergy in the post 2015 development landscape

Proposed Thematic Strands  Reflection and Learning –Drawing of insights from data, the state of the art in education and emerging trends  Practice and Policy –Open discussion on education practice, success stories and lessons learned in individual countries  Cooperation for Action – Discussions on how the strengths of each country can be harnessed to address concerns in other countries; taking the next steps

End Note The Strategic Dialogue among Ministers, given time, can evolve into the forum where open sharing and the initial steps toward meaningful bilateral, tri-lateral or multilateral cooperation can be established. The future ministerial dialogues may turn out to be the “Davos Forum” for education in Southeast Asia.

Thank you Domo arigato Maraming salamat po