Events of EFUCA
IV Asia-Europe Forum on Education
«Sustainable Development in Our Society»
On October 29-30, 2021, the IV Asia-Europe Forum on Education "Sustainable Development in Our Society" took place in an online format.
The Forum gathered over 1,500 people from more than 35 countries, including members of the world movement of Clubs for UNESCO, representatives of UNESCO Headquarters and National Commissions for UNESCO, as well as interested participants from various international organizations, government agencies, scientific circles, private and non-governmental sectors.
The Forum was recognized by the experienced, professional community and participants, and the importance and necessity of creating such platforms for the exchange of best practices in the field of education, in particular, integral, inclusive education, education for sustainable development, and lifelong learning, all of which promote development of society worldwide.
The main emphasis of the program was placed on the UN 2030 Agenda, where UNESCO plays a leading role in the field of education at global and regional levels. As a specialized agency of the United Nations, the organization endorses holistic and humanistic management of quality education around the world and the implementation of the universal right to education. In this regard, UNESCO advocates the idea of the central role of education in the development of human potential, society and economy. The Forum presented successful cases of Asian and European national federations of Clubs and associations for UNESCO aimed at promoting the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals through the implementation of educational projects for both the younger generation and the adult population.
“UNESCO places a priority on coordinating efforts to achieve Sustainable Development Goals, and the movement of Clubs for UNESCO plays a crucial role in this regard, which unifies the majority of civil society and makes the UN Agenda 2030 accessible and comprehensible to the general public. The current pandemic has once again proved the importance and necessity of manifesting civil solidarity, which is fully reflected in the mission and activities of the Clubs for UNESCO movement.”
Mr. Firmin Edouard Matoko, Deputy Director General of UNESCO (Paris, France)
The forum has repeatedly emphasized the importance and necessity of cooperation of all countries and the joint work of numerous partners to improve the efficiency of education systems at all levels and in any form (formal and non-formal education for children, youth and adults). Thanks to the tight cooperation of the public sector, government bodies and private business, projects and programs are being implemented that can help solve global problems and contribute to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals through education.
“Throughout the history of TCO, social investments have been an important part of the company's sustainable development in our region. For example, as part of a social investment program, TCO jointly with the British Council implemented a project to build the capacity of English teachers in schools in Atyrau Oblast. Another example is the academician Kabdolov Foundation, which stimulates the study of the Kazakh language using social networks throughout Kazakhstan. TCO also supports projects on vocational guidance and flexible skills training for young people in order to develop the individual abilities of each child and adolescent. This year, TCO is supporting the Sezual project, which helps to train blind and visually impaired children in Braille in Kazakh, English and Russian using a unique simulator.”
Rzabek Artygaliev, General Manager for Policy, Government and Public Affairs, Tengizchevroil
The creation of public goods, as well as the exchange of knowledge and experience in the regions, formed the basis of the Forum's activities. At the final session, Forum participants voiced the importance of deepening multilateral and bilateral ties between countries and continents in the field of science and education, which makes it possible to overcome social and cultural barriers, and strengthen friendship between them through effective and useful cooperation. As a result of the Forum, participants had the opportunity to learn more about the activities of the clubs as partners of UNESCO, and the national federations received a stage for joint work by virtue of similar priorities and available projects for participation.
The project will be finalized with the release of the final collection of publications, which will serve as a type of a roadmap for implementing best practices in the field of attaining sustainable development in our society.
The initiative to organize the Forum was proposed by Kazakhstan and Romanian Federations of Clubs for UNESCO, and the organizers are the Asia-Pacific and European Federation of Clubs and Associations for UNESCO with the support of the World Federation of UNESCO Clubs, Centers and Associations.
The event celebrates the 75th anniversary of UNESCO, the 40th anniversary of the World Federation of UNESCO Clubs, Centers and Associations, the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the European Federation of Clubs and Associations for UNESCO, 30th Anniversary of Independence of Kazakhstan and 65 years of Romanian membership to UNESCO.
The general partner of the IV Asia-Europe Forum on Education “Sustainable Development in Our Society” is Tengizchevroil LLP (TCO), which introduces new technologies and operates in accordance with global safety and environmental standards in order to ensure a more sustainable Kazakhstan.
For more information: Sabina Akzharova, sabina.kazfuca@gmail.com, 8 701 783 39 33
