Catalog

Policy and Strategy in Education
ADB Review [ August-October 2006 ]

CATCHING UP Some countries have achieved universal primary education (above), while others still need help (right)

In the Policy on Education, ADB outlines the diverse issues the region’s education systems face: "Regional economies are rapidly embracing higher technology and provision of services. Urbanization and increased life expectancies are changing the distribution and composition of populations. Globalization demands increased productivity and the maintenance of international quality standards. The information technology revolution requires changes in the way knowledge is acquired and transmitted. Education can no longer be targeted mainly at children and youth; continuing education and lifelong learning are needed by everyone to acquire new technological knowledge and skills."

In response to individual country needs and in line with the education sector policy, ADB is providing support in various ways. Since the goal of Education for All was first articulated in Jomtien, Thailand in 1990, and later reinforced by inclusion in the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), ADB has proactively supported access to and improvement of the quality of education. Special focus has been given to basic education and education for the poor and other disadvantaged groups. Some developing member countries have made significant gains in quality and access, and have achieved universal primary education. Others will need continued support in these areas, however, to establish a better basis for further education.

Progress in the expansion of access and the quality of education at lower levels, meanwhile, is fueling the demand for higher learning. The gains from higher primary enrollments can be lost unless secondary education is prepared to absorb graduates with further quality education services. Similarly, the demand for a skilled workforce requires increased support for skills development through technical education and vocational training. Public—private partnerships are important for contributing to cost sharing and the improved relevance of education and training to meet the needs of evolving labor markets. Human resource development that can provide balanced support for rapidly growing economies is necessary for maintaining an edge in a competitive, globalized world.

In addition, it will become increasingly important to support lifelong and continuing education as economies become more knowledge—based. This will require linkages with tertiary and higher education, building science and technology capacity, and effective use of flexible and cost—efficient delivery modes, aided by innovative use of information and communication technology.

As the region and its needs change, investment in education remains vitally important. It is among the core sectors in ADB’s recently approved Medium—Term Strategy II for 2006–2008, reflecting the growing demand for ADB’s assistance and strong record in the sector. Within the framework of its education policy, ADB will continue to play a leading role in supporting its developing member countries to meet evolving challenges in the education sector.

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