The SEA–PLM Regional Secretariat, represented by its Co-Chairs, SEAMEO Secretariat and UNICEF EAPRO, recently conducted a courtesy visit and strategic meetings with key partners from the ASEAN Secretariat, the ASEAN-Korea Cooperation Fund (AKCF), and the Republic of Korea (ROK) Mission to ASEAN. These engagements are significant in reinforcing broader collaboration and support for the Southeast Asia Primary Learning Metrics (SEA-PLM) programme. 

During the meeting with the Education Youth and Sports Division (EYSD) of the ASEAN Secretariat and the ASEAN-Korea Cooperation Fund, discussions centered around ensuring the success and completion of the SEA-PLM 2024 cycle. All parties underscored the importance of SEA–LM in addressing persistent data gaps within the region, particularly in monitoring Southeast Asia; progress toward achieving the UN SDG 4 indicators. The dialogue emphasized the critical role of SEA-PLM 2024 in generating comparable data and insights to inform educational policies and practices across the region. Sustainability in programme design and implementation was highlighted as essential for long-term success, ensuring knowledge transfer and continued progress. 

In a separate courtesy visit to the ROK Mission to ASEAN, the SEA-PLM Regional Secretariat expressed its gratitude to H.E. Lee Jang-keun, Ambassador of the ROK to ASEAN, for the ongoing support of the programme, which has contributed to strengthened ties between South Korea and Southeast Asia. Ambassador Lee reiterated that education remains a priority sector for the ROK, and programmes like SEA-PLM, which aim to improve education quality and equity in the region, will continue to receive their support.  The SEA-PLM Regional Secretariat mentioned that through the support of AKCF, SEA-PLM continues to attain global and regional recognition including its inclusion in the Joint Communique of the 57th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and its participation in high-level meetings of the United Nations on SDG 4. 

The meetings between the SEA-PLM Regional Secretariat, ASEAN-EYSD , AKCF, and the Korean Mission to ASEAN reaffirmed the importance of sustaining and advancing the SEA-PLM programme. The discussions emphasized continued collaboration and partnership, leveraging on the region and Korean’s expertise in expanding countries' capacity to use evidence in transforming basic education systems. This collective commitment aims to enhance educational outcomes across Southeast Asia, ensuring that all children in the region receive the equitable and quality education they deserve.

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For media inquiries and more information, please contact:

Rizky Ashar (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.), SEA-PLM Regional Secretariat