UNESCO, Thai EEF sign new regional MoU on equitable education

UNESCO and Thailand’s Equitable Education Fund (EEF) have signed a new memorandum of understanding in Bangkok to strengthen regional cooperation on equitable education across ASEAN and partner countries under a two-year framework.

The partnership aims to address the growing challenge of children and youth remaining outside the education system through three key priorities: developing flexible learning systems, promoting financial innovation to expand educational access, and enhancing regional policy exchange.

According to UNESCO Bangkok Regional Director Soohyun Kim, millions of children and young people across Asia and the Pacific continue to face barriers to education due to poverty, displacement, and inequality. She emphasized the importance of stronger regional cooperation mechanisms to ensure inclusive learning opportunities for all.

Meanwhile, EEF Managing Director Kraiyos Patrawart highlighted Thailand’s “Zero Dropout Plus” initiative as a successful model in reducing educational inequality through collaboration across sectors, flexible learning approaches, and sustained investment.

Major activities planned under the cooperation include the 4th International Conference on Equitable Education in Bangkok and the ASEAN+4 Regional Conference on Learning Cities in Ho Chi Minh City in 2026.