The 2nd Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM2) preparing the 9th ASEM Education Ministers’ Meeting (ASEMME9)

24th January, Valletta, Malta.

The Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Education Senior Officials and Stakeholders gathered on 24th of January 2024 for the Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM2) held at the Excelsior Hotel, Valletta, Malta in preparation for the 9th ASEM Education Ministers Meeting (ASEMME9) planned for 25-26 January 2024.

During the meeting, the presentation of the Stocktaking report 2024, the latest updates from the four ASEM Expert Groups and the final version of the Chair’s Conclusions were presented.

The event commenced with welcoming remarks from Dr. Rose Anne Cuschieri, Chief Executive Officer of the Malta Further and Higher Education Authority (MFHEA), who expressed her gratitude for the presence of all the esteemed attendees. Mr. Luca Lantero, Head of the ASEM Education Secretariat, also extended a warm welcome, emphasising the importance of interregional cooperation in the field of education.

During her speech, Dr. Rose Anne Cuschieri recalled the journey initiated in the first Senior Official Meeting (SOM1) held in May 2023, serving as a starting point to highlight the collective goal, that is of fostering a more prosperous, resilient, and sustainable cooperation in education between Asia and Europe. Dr. Cuschieri emphasised the critical role of the education system in this endeavor.

Dr Rose Anne Cuschieri continued to highlight the necessity of collaboration with various sectors and stakeholders, the achievement through the exchange of insights, best practices, and collaborative initiatives. The focus was on promoting a stronger and more inclusive educational landscape in both regions. This vision guided the collective efforts leading up to the 9th ASEM Education Ministers Meeting (ASEMME9).

The speech underscored the importance of equitable access to further and higher education, ensuring that individuals, regardless of their socio-economic background, had an equal opportunity to realize their full potential.

This emphasis on inclusivity aligned with the overarching theme for the year, encapsulated in the phrase “leaving no one behind.”

Presentation of the Stocktaking Report from Bangkok to Valletta commenced with audience discussions leading to the ASEMME9 Agenda. Representatives from the ASEM Expert Groups, ASEM Partners and Stakeholders were invited to present the progress of their respective activities, projects, and initiatives.