17 November 2020

Access to authoritative information is critical to ensure fair recognition of educational qualifications. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic these issues have become even more important.

Under the authority of the Tokyo Convention, a new portal on recognition has been launched by the Asia-Pacific Network of National Information Centres (APNNIC). The portal serves as a regional platform for information sharing on qualifications recognition and international collaboration based on joint ownership of participating network members in the Asia-Pacific.

The APNNIC portal provides a reliable information source on the higher education, recognition and quality assurance systems of the nine members – Australia, China, the Holy See, Japan, Mongolia, New Zealand, Republic of Korea and Turkey, as well as news and related resources from member countries in the region and beyond.

“We believe in the need for international consistency in the recognition processes, which will promote clear information regarding quality assurance processes for higher education,” said Ms. Rosy Akbar, Minister for Education, Heritage and Arts of Fiji.

“Authoritative information is the driving force for facilitating fair recognition of higher education qualifications,” said APNNIC member NIAD-QE of Japan.

“This information is helpful for higher education practitioners and decision-makers,” said Mr. Shigeru Aoyagi, Director of UNESCO Asia and the Pacific Regional Bureau for Education. “We hope that countries which have not yet ratified the Tokyo Convention can join and further strengthen the APNNIC network and facilitate fair recognition of qualifications in the Asia-Pacific.”

Please visit the APNNIC portal at www.apnnic.net or contact UNESCO Asia and the Pacific Regional Bureau for Education: [email protected]