Hanoi, Viet Nam, 13 May 2017
Delegates from 19 member economies, as well as the PPSTI chair and vice chairs, the EDNET Coordinator, the ABAC Principal Advisor, and representatives from the APEC Secretariat, UNESCO and APRU attended the PPSTI-EDNET Joint Session in Hanoi, Viet Nam on 13 May 2017. They discussed issues related to cross-fora action, including the nomination of Cross-fora Coordinator for PPSTI-EDNET and project proposals for co-endorsement.
In November 2016, APEC Ministers met in Lima, Peru and encouraged the PPSTI and HRDWG to (a) continue working together to develop human capital in the region, (b) contribute to the structural reform agenda, and (c) deepen participation in labor markets. Hence, the PPSTI and HRDWG-EDNET have worked on seeking greater cross-fora cooperation together since SOM1 in Nha Trang in February 2017. Dr. Wang Yan, EDNET Coordinator, stressed the importance of all working groups being made aware of ongoing activities and progress of various collaborative projects, and emphasized the value of science and research in achieving innovation in education.
Ms. Lisa Brodey, PPSTI Chair, proposed the establishment of a common platform to share experiences, and encouraged members and working groups to sign up to such an initiative. Both China and the United States favored the idea, and expressed an interest in setting up a cross-fora platform or a mechanism to share experiences and resources.
Through the joint session, delegates reached a consensus on the importance of sharing knowledge of ongoing projects among different working groups, and agreed on the following joint actions: build a common virtual platform to share resources; make a joint work plan; set up a position of PPSTI-EDNET Coordinator; hold a joint meeting/session; and carry out collaborative projects.
Member economies -- including China, Japan, Malaysia, Australia and United States -- also shared progress of ongoing projects and proposed new ones related to STEM and STI Education.
It was agreed the meeting laid a solid foundation for more cross-fora cooperation within APEC.
