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Japan assumes leadership of the Group of Friends for Education and Lifelong Learning
As he assumed leadership of the Group of Friends for Education and Lifelong Learning, Ambassador Yamazaki addressed two key questions—outlining Japan’s national efforts in education and sharing his vision for how the Group can continue to advance the global education agenda at the United Nations. His responses come at a pivotal time, with momentum building ahead of the and the
This is what Ambassador Yamazaki had to say:
Education is facing a multitude of challenges worldwide, and recent events have highlighted its critical importance. Your Excellency, could you please elaborate on the specific measures that Japan is undertaking at the national level to update the approach to teaching and learning, ensuring that it caters to the evolving needs of students and effectively prepares them to face the challenges of the 21st century?
In June 2023, the Government of Japan formulated the Basic Plan for the Promotion of Education, which outlines the overall direction of education policy in Japan for the next five years, and includes various measures to develop human resources that will create a sustainable society through problem-solving.
At the elementary and secondary levels, Japan has led the world in providing one terminal device per student, and through further use of digital technologies, such as the introduction of digital textbooks and computer-based testing (CBT) systems, we aim to create an educational environment that unlocks the potential of each child while meeting their diverse needs.
We have also promoted cross-curricular learning such as inquiry-based learning and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics）education, in which students proactively discover problems for themselves and solve them in collaboration with diverse people, based on curricula that foster the qualities and skills needed for the new era.
In addition, we have worked to improve the environment for teachers to support children's learning by reforming work styles in schools, strengthening the guidance and management system, and improving teacher compensation.
At the higher education level, the government is promoting the strengthening of the functions of national universities, the promotion of private schools, the upgrading of technical colleges, the development of highly specialized human resources, including science and engineering and medical personnel, the expansion of study abroad mobility, and the internationalization of universities.
In addition, in order to prevent students from dropping out of higher education for economic reasons, efforts are being made to reduce tuition fees and expand scholarship programs. Based on discussions in the Central Council for Education, necessary measures will be taken to optimize the size of universities and ensure access to quality higher education in every region of the country.
Moreover, as an advocate of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), Japan is working to promote ESD domestically and internationally. We supported the UN resolution that affirms ESD as key to achieving all SDGs, including SDG 4. The Government of Japan also supports the promotion of ESD through the Japanese Government Trust Fund for UNESCO under the international implementation framework of “ESD for 2030”. In Japan, UNESCO Schools (ASPnet) are positioned as centers for the promotion of ESD and are working to improve the quality of education through exchanges and sharing of good practices, utilizing the broader international network of ASPnet schools.
The Group of Friends for Education and Lifelong Learning has been championing advocacy on advancing global commitments on education at the United Nations in New York since its creation in 2019. In your opinion, how can the Group maintain its contributions to education, particularly in light of the outcomes of the Transforming Education Summit, while effectively navigating the ever-changing dynamics within the UN General Assembly?
The Group of Friends for Education has an important role to play in strengthening the global commitment to education. Education is an essential element to achieve human security. Based on our own experience, Japan believes that human resource is the most important basis for development. Therefore, education is a key enabler of SDGs. Education is an essential element to achieve human security and it forms a foundation for lasting peace. The right to education is also a fundamental human right.
Under Japan's leadership, the Group will focus on several key areas to improve educational outcomes worldwide. The Group’s central objective will be to strongly promote gender equality and empower all women and girls from diverse backgrounds. Following the Transforming Education Summit, it is critical to expand investments to ensure quality learning opportunities. Other objectives include strengthening STEM education, which is essential for socioeconomic development, and addressing the shortage of quality teachers needed to provide quality education to all. It is also important to ensure the continuity of learning opportunities even during emergencies such as conflicts, crises, and disasters. Sustainable development cannot be guaranteed without investment in the education of younger generations who will carry the future.
