The Ministry of Education (Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education Yoo Eun-Hae) and the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Headquarters Regional Committee (hereinafter referred to as Regional Committee).
Summary of the Regional Convention on the Recognition of Studies, Diplomas and Degrees in Higher Education in Asia and the Pacific (Background) In order to respond to enhanced demand of international recognition due to the increase of student's mobility, an international Convention on recognition of degrees has been concluded. (Summary) Through establishing a National Information Center (NIC) in each country to provide information on degrees and to share news on the current situation of the Member States, a regional Committee will be held every two years. (The current progress of the Republic of Korea) - (1983) Korea joined the Convention on the Recognition of Studies, Diplomas and Degrees in Higher Education in Asia and the Pacific and it entered into effect in 1990 (Bangkok Convention) - (2011) Amended Convention on the Recognition of Studies, Diplomas and Degrees in Higher Education in Asia and the Pacific (Tokyo Convention) |
In this Conference, participants from over 40 countries will exchange knowledge of other countries' higher education system and will discuss plans about academic exchange in Higher Education Qualifications.
This Conference is quite significant as it is the 1st Regional Committee after the entry into force of the Tokyo Convention.
The Tokyo Convention lays down an obligation to establish a National Information Center in each country. It also demands active measures from the Asia-Pacific countries to recognize the qualifications between the Member States.
※ Main functions of the National Information Center
- Officially designate of establish one National Information Center in each country, and provide information related to higher education systems and qualifications to students and conduct research on establishing networks between related institutions concerning international qualifications recognition.
Therefore in this Regional Committee, a vivid discussion about recognition of qualifications between countries in comparison to Regional Committee Bangkok Convention System will be carried out.
As the host country of this Regional Committee, the Republic of Korea will publish several implementation plans in furtherance of recognition of qualifications and academic exchange.
Korea also has published plans to establish a National Information Center and has suggested measures to establish and strengthen networks between Centers. It also has published plans to encourage countries to join the Tokyo Convention by using the Korea Funds-in-Trust.
Vice-Minister Park Chunran said, "On the occasion of this Regional Committee, we are planning to establish a Korean National Information Center, and will provide information on higher education and will enhance the international status of Korean higher education system."
* unofficial translation
Education System
Overview - 1st Session of the Committee of Asia-Pacific Regional Convention on the Recognition of Qualification in Higher Education