Asia-Pacific Regional Convention on Qualifications Recognition
The UNESCO Regional Convention on the Recognition of Studies, Diplomas and Degrees in Higher Education in Asia and the Pacific ( the “1983 Convention”) was first adopted in Bangkok in 1983. To better reflect the significant changes that have taken place in the region since then, (such as the massification and internationalisation of higher education), UNESCO Member States agreed to update and amend the Convention at the International Conference of States, held in Tokyo, Japan in 2011. The new Convention, entitled the Asia-Pacific Regional Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications in Higher Education (the 2011 Revised Convention) seeks to ensure that studies, diplomas, and degrees in higher education are recognised as widely as possible, considering the great diversity of educational systems in the Asia-Pacific region and the richness of its cultural, social, political, religious, and economic backgrounds.
In order for the 2011 Revised Convention to enter into force, at least five UNESCO Member States of the Asia-Pacific region must have expressed their consent to be bound by it, in one of the ways set forth in its Article X.1.2.
As of 3 February 2014, there are 21 State-Parties to the 1983 Convention: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Australia, China, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Holy See, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Laos PDR, Maldives, Mongolia, Nepal, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Russian Federation, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Turkey, and Turkmenistan. As of 3 February 2014, nine states have signed the 2011 Revised Convention, subject to ratification, acceptance, approval or accession: Armenia, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Republic of Korea, Timor-Leste, Turkey and the Holy See.
You can download the full text of the 1983 Convention, the 2011 Revised Convention and other relevant information from the sidebar to the right.
