Latest news with #7thAPECEducationMinisterialMeeting
Scoop
15-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
APEC Education Ministers Issue Joint Statement
Issued by the 7th APEC Education Ministerial Meeting Jeju, Republic of Korea, 14 May 2025 APEC Education Ministers have issued a joint statement reaffirming the central role of education in promoting sustainable economic growth and regional prosperity amid accelerating digital transformation. Gathering in Jeju under the theme 'Bridging Educational Gaps and Promoting Sustainable Growth in the Era of Digital Transformation: Innovate, Connect, Prosper,' ministers emphasized the importance of regional cooperation to strengthen digital learning infrastructure, enhance education quality and equip learners with the skills needed to navigate a rapidly evolving technological landscape. The joint statement highlights the potential of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies to improve learning outcomes through personalized education. Ministers acknowledged that AI-powered tools—such as adaptive learning platforms—can help students address knowledge gaps and build strong academic foundations. To support this shift, they stressed the need to build teachers' digital competencies through professional development and peer learning. Ministers encouraged greater collaboration across APEC economies to expand access to digital resources, share best practices, and develop policies that promote educational innovation. They reaffirmed support for initiatives under the APEC Education Strategy (2016–2030), the Arequipa Goals and the La Serena Roadmap to advance educational opportunities for all. The joint statement also further recognized the role of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and lifelong learning in helping learners build future-ready skills and adapt to the changing demands of the digital economy.
Scoop
15-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Acting President Lee: Education Must Shape Humanity In The AI Era
Press Release – APEC In discussions throughout the day, ministers explore how digital transformation, particularly the rise of generative AI, is forcing a fundamental rethink of how education systems function and what they aim to achieve. 7th APEC Education Ministerial Meeting Jeju, Republic of Korea, 14 May 2025 Education ministers from 21 APEC economies are gathering in Jeju, Republic of Korea, today for the 7th APEC Education Ministerial Meeting, and reaffirming their shared commitment to bridging educational divides and fostering growth that benefits all people in the region through innovation and global cooperation. Held under the theme 'Bridging Educational Gaps and Promoting Sustainable Growth in the Era of Digital Transformation: Innovate, Connect, Prosper,' the meeting comes at a moment of profound global change, as member economies confront the challenges of digital disruption, demographic shifts, climate change and widening inequalities. 'We are not simply witnessing ordinary changes—we are living through a monumental transformation in human civilization,' said Ju-Ho Lee, Acting President, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education of the Republic of Korea, who chairs the meeting. 'Education is emerging not merely as a tool of economic competitiveness, but as a pillar of sustainable prosperity for the global community.' In discussions throughout the day, ministers explore how digital transformation, particularly the rise of generative AI, is forcing a fundamental rethink of how education systems function and what they aim to achieve. 'What kind of human being are we truly seeking to nurture through education?' Acting President Lee posed. 'Today's students must cultivate the ability to think critically, define problems independently and seek creative solutions. Equally important is the nurturing of human values and a sense of responsibility as members of a global community.' Korea introduces the AI Digital Textbook (AIDT), which supports learners in studying at their own pace and level, and empowers teachers to take on the role of learning designers and facilitators. 'This is more than the adoption of new tools,' said Acting President Lee. 'It is a bold and inclusive approach to unlock the potential of every learner and to transform classrooms into dynamic learning environments.' Ministers emphasize that developing AI-powered content, modernizing assessment systems and enhancing digital skills among teachers are key areas for collaboration to ensure inclusive, high-quality education across the region. The meeting also highlights the need for stronger cross-border partnerships to accelerate innovation and reduce educational inequality. 'Global cooperation in education is more critical than ever,' said Acting President Lee. 'We must share best practices, collaborate on policies and technologies, and work hand in hand to close persistent educational gaps.' Ministers also underscores the importance of sharing AI-driven innovations, promoting teacher exchanges, strengthening regional learning networks and advancing digital inclusion initiatives as effective ways to reach underserved learners. As APEC economies strive to build inclusive, future-ready societies, ministers reaffirm education's role as the foundation for economic resilience, social cohesion and long-term prosperity. Korea shares its efforts to advance regional innovation ecosystems and digital lifelong learning systems in partnership with universities and local communities, helping all citizens adapt proactively to change. 'Education is not merely the transfer of knowledge. It is the most powerful instrument we have to design our shared future,' said Acting President Lee. 'As AI and digital technologies evolve at an unprecedented pace, we must ensure that the benefits of these advancements are distributed fairly and equitably across societies.' Throughout the meeting, ministers are aligned on the need to adapt domestic education strategies to APEC-wide priorities and committed to strengthening collaboration through the Human Resources Development Working Group and other multilateral platforms.
Scoop
15-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Acting President Lee: Education Must Shape Humanity In The AI Era
7th APEC Education Ministerial Meeting Jeju, Republic of Korea, 14 May 2025 Education ministers from 21 APEC economies are gathering in Jeju, Republic of Korea, today for the 7th APEC Education Ministerial Meeting, and reaffirming their shared commitment to bridging educational divides and fostering growth that benefits all people in the region through innovation and global cooperation. Held under the theme 'Bridging Educational Gaps and Promoting Sustainable Growth in the Era of Digital Transformation: Innovate, Connect, Prosper,' the meeting comes at a moment of profound global change, as member economies confront the challenges of digital disruption, demographic shifts, climate change and widening inequalities. 'We are not simply witnessing ordinary changes—we are living through a monumental transformation in human civilization,' said Ju-Ho Lee, Acting President, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education of the Republic of Korea, who chairs the meeting. 'Education is emerging not merely as a tool of economic competitiveness, but as a pillar of sustainable prosperity for the global community.' In discussions throughout the day, ministers explore how digital transformation, particularly the rise of generative AI, is forcing a fundamental rethink of how education systems function and what they aim to achieve. 'What kind of human being are we truly seeking to nurture through education?' Acting President Lee posed. 'Today's students must cultivate the ability to think critically, define problems independently and seek creative solutions. Equally important is the nurturing of human values and a sense of responsibility as members of a global community.' Korea introduces the AI Digital Textbook (AIDT), which supports learners in studying at their own pace and level, and empowers teachers to take on the role of learning designers and facilitators. 'This is more than the adoption of new tools,' said Acting President Lee. 'It is a bold and inclusive approach to unlock the potential of every learner and to transform classrooms into dynamic learning environments.' Ministers emphasize that developing AI-powered content, modernizing assessment systems and enhancing digital skills among teachers are key areas for collaboration to ensure inclusive, high-quality education across the region. The meeting also highlights the need for stronger cross-border partnerships to accelerate innovation and reduce educational inequality. 'Global cooperation in education is more critical than ever,' said Acting President Lee. 'We must share best practices, collaborate on policies and technologies, and work hand in hand to close persistent educational gaps.' Ministers also underscores the importance of sharing AI-driven innovations, promoting teacher exchanges, strengthening regional learning networks and advancing digital inclusion initiatives as effective ways to reach underserved learners. As APEC economies strive to build inclusive, future-ready societies, ministers reaffirm education's role as the foundation for economic resilience, social cohesion and long-term prosperity. Korea shares its efforts to advance regional innovation ecosystems and digital lifelong learning systems in partnership with universities and local communities, helping all citizens adapt proactively to change. 'Education is not merely the transfer of knowledge. It is the most powerful instrument we have to design our shared future,' said Acting President Lee. 'As AI and digital technologies evolve at an unprecedented pace, we must ensure that the benefits of these advancements are distributed fairly and equitably across societies.' Throughout the meeting, ministers are aligned on the need to adapt domestic education strategies to APEC-wide priorities and committed to strengthening collaboration through the Human Resources Development Working Group and other multilateral platforms.
Korea Herald
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Korea Herald
APEC education leaders gather in Korea to tackle learning gaps in digital era
SEOGWIPO, Jeju Island — Education leaders and global experts from across the Asia-Pacific region gathered Wednesday on Jeju Island for the 7th APEC Education Ministerial Meeting, opening a high-level dialogue on advancing inclusive and sustainable education in the era of digital transformation. Hosted by South Korea's 2025 APEC chairmanship, the meeting brought together some 200 participants, including ministerial delegations from 20 out of 21 APEC member economies. The forum convened for the first time in nine years, with the aim of shaping a shared vision for education systems that can adapt to rapid technological and social change. This year's meeting is held under the theme: 'Bridging Educational Gaps and Promoting Sustainable Growth in the Era of Digital Transformation: Innovate, Connect, Prosper,' aligning with the broader APEC 2025 motto of 'Building a Sustainable Tomorrow.' In his keynote remarks at the opening ceremony, acting President and Education Minister Lee Ju-ho emphasized the need to close educational gaps and build a sustainable society where people and technology grow together. Lee highlighted that APEC's legacy of overcoming crises, from the 1997 Asian financial crisis to the COVID-19 pandemic, must now evolve to address unprecedented challenges such as digital disruption, climate change and demographic shifts. 'This meeting should mark a turning point for deeper APEC cooperation in education,' Lee said, adding that rapid digital transformation and the rise of artificial intelligence have brought humanity to a moment of civilizational challenge that requires renewed global collaboration in education. He emphasized that 'people are at the center of all change,' and that learning and growth are key to not only national competitiveness but also the sustainable prosperity of the global community. Lee introduced South Korea's recent education reforms, including the implementation of AI-based digital textbooks that aim to tailor learning to each student's pace and needs. He also pointed to universities' roles as regional innovation hubs working with industries and public institutions to solve community problems. Commemorating the 30th anniversary of Korea's 5·3·1 Education Reform Plan, a landmark initiative involving cross-sectoral collaboration, Lee said the country's experience demonstrates how bold policy shifts can guide education over generations. While acknowledging different evaluations of the reforms, he noted that the early visions of globalization and digitalization are now being realized. Highlighting South Korea's own experience of achieving both economic growth and social development with the landmark '5·3·1 Education Reform' of 1995, Lee said bold policy shifts can guide education over generations. "118 revolutionary tasks, as a whole, have been an educational compass over the seven administrations," Lee said, noting that while political perspectives may differ, 'there is a general consensus that the reform laid the foundation for digitization and globalization. He called on APEC members to share challenges and strategies openly, affirming that education does not develop in isolation and that cooperation built on mutual respect and shared practice is the only path toward achieving inclusive learning for all. The AEMM is expected to yield a joint statement among participating economies reaffirming commitments to addressing educational inequality and promoting collaboration amid technological advancement.
