MEETING OF THE MINISTERS OF EDUCATION FROM
SOUTH ASIAN COUNTRIES
JOINT STATEMENT
Adopted by the Ministerial Meeting
On Education for All
10-12 April 2001, Kathmandu Nepal

Preamble

We, the Ministers of Education from South Asian countries of Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal and Pakistan and Secretary of Elementary Education and Literacy from India and Secretary of Education from Sri Lanka, attending the meeting at Kathmandu, Nepal, on 10-12 April 2001, at the initiative of UNESCO, to review the progress of the Education for All programme in the light of the Dakar Framework for Action 2000, appreciate the serious concern and achievements shown by the member states as reflected in our respective country reports.

We recognize that, despite significant diversities among the member countries in respect of size, geography, culture, social dynamics, level of economic development, etc. the implementation of the EFA programme has been in the forefront of their agenda for development.

Achievements

The last decade of the twentieth century has witnessed notable achievements in all countries in the region, as indicated by:

1. Increased concern for early childhood care, education and development.
2. Accelerated programme for universal access, retention and achievement in Elementary Education.
3. Reduction of gender disparities in learning opportunities.
4. Increase in adult literacy.
5. Development of programmes for specific target groups.

Challenges

We also take note of the fact that the education sector in South Asia is a serious concern for all of us, as:

1. A majority of the world's illiterates are concentrated in the countries of South Asia.
2. A large number of school age children continue to have no access to primary schooling.
3. Quality of teaching and learning requires serious attention
. 4. A large number of girls continue to be out of school.

Statement

Taking note of the above achievement as well as challenges, we recognize the pivotal role of education in the integrated development of the individual and of society in order to combat ignorance and poverty, and to ensure peace, solidarity and prosperity. We therefore, affirm,

1. That, we collectively commit ourselves to the attainment of the six goals and adoption of twelve strategies as given in the Dakar Framework for Action 2000 recognizing different needs of the member countries.

2. That, we fully appreciate the role of civil society, private sector, NGOs and development partners in meeting the goals of EFA and endorse their continued participation and contribution in programmes of Education for All, and in the preparation of the National Plans of Action.

3. That, quality education will be promoted targeting all education levels for all learner groups - children, youth and adults, as a strategy for poverty alleviation.

4. That, quality basic education must be ensured for all children, youth and adults in the region as a fundamental human right.
5. That, we need to further strengthen programmes of early childhood care and development.

6. That, we must provide more opportunities for primary/elementary school age children for improved access to quality education for equity, reflected in reduced drop-out rates and increased net enrolment rates.

7. That, we consider the health and nutritional needs of primary-aged children as essential to improving the quality of learning.

8. That, all adult illiterates be provided opportunities for quality functional literacy and training in life skills.

9. That, we will work towards eliminating gender discrimination at all levels of education, particularly at the elementary level.

10. That, we will work for necessary reforms in management of education to improve the administration and supervision of the learning achievements.

11. That, special efforts will also be made to support and improve the professional development of teachers, and quality teaching practices.

12. That, we undertake to provide reliable data, and regular monitoring of progress towards EFA goals and targets including periodic assessment.

13. That, information and communication technology with special reference to distance and open learning committed to equity and capabilities should be encouraged.

14. That, keeping in view the fact that the region suffers from high levels of poverty, we support the commitment made in the Dakar Framework for Action by the international community for (a) adequate external finance for education, in particular for basic education; (b) ensuring early, more extensive and broader debt relief and/or debt cancellation for poverty reduction, with a strong commitment to basic education.

15. That, we further resolve to form a Regional Forum of EFA for the South Asian countries to intensify cooperation and collaboration within the region. The Forum will hold ministerial meetings every two years or more frequently, if necessary, and teleconferencing. The Forum will be supported by a technical working group. The technical working group will meet once a year, and also immediately prior to the Ministerial meeting. The technical group will facilitate regular contact between the member countries. UNESCO will facilitate the Forum in collaboration with UNICEF, UNDP, UNFPA, World Bank, Bi-lateral, and Multi-lateral agencies, international, regional and national NGOs.

It was unanimously decided to convene the next meeting of the Ministers of Education from South Asia in Islamabad, Pakistan in 2003 to discuss the themes of Funding and Quality for EFA at a venue and on dates to be decided at a subsequent time in consultation with the member countries.