The kick-off meeting of the ASEM Education Expert Group on Digitalisation was attended by ASEM Education Partners and Stakeholders on 12 December 2019 in Berlin, Germany.

The aim of this first meeting is to discuss and finalise the Terms of References (see under “Documents”), agree on the Expert Groups’ operating principles and discuss a more precise thematic focus.

Background
During the 7th ASEM Education Ministers’ Meeting (ASEMME7) in Bucharest, the Ministers underlined that “Digitalisation” can create opportunities to support connectivity and collaboration between Asia and Europe, but also that the ASEM Education Process should adapt itself to the opportunities and challenges of digitalisation and the 4th Industrial Revolution. Therefore, the Ministers welcomed the suggestion to include “Digitalisation” as a second transversal theme (besides Sustainable Development) within the 4 priority areas of the ASEM Education Process. (Chair’s Conclusion No. 13) – Ministers invited Senior Officials to establish an expert group on the transversal topic on digitalisation in order to foster dialogue and synergies on activities in the field of digital learning and teaching. The Ministers thank Germany for the initiative. (Chair’s Conclusion No. 55).

Intended Outcomes

• a pool of experts on digitalisation specifically working within the ASEM context
• input and concrete policy recommendations, for the Strategy 2030 and 8th ASEM Education Ministers’ Meeting (ASEMME8), focusing on digitalisation, with specific regard to the four priorities of the AEP, and how digitalisation can contribute to the implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals
• recommendations for conceptualising new ASEM initiatives focusing on digital learning and teaching

For more information about the kick-off meeting, download the Terms of Reference under “Documents” or read news updates under “Useful Links”.