Through the study visit, LNCU said they hoped to gain insights on how to better support their institutional development and contribute to enhancing the value and principles of their organization. Specifically, LNCU wished to draw lessons from KNCU’s administration structure, coordination mechanism, roles and responsibilities, and partnerships with other local and international organizations, as well as KNCU’s activities in the field of Global Citizenship Education (GCED) and its implementation of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD).

The four-day study visit comprised presentation sessions introducing KNCU, and active discussions between the two Commissions regarding a number of topics, including their major programmes, finances and operations. The visit also allowed an opportunity for both Commissions to share their vision and passion in conducting programmes in the areas of UNESCO’s competence.

Presentations by four KNCU teams giving overviews of their major programmes and activities accounted for a large part of the agenda. Secretary-General Mr. Somboun Masouvanh and six other staff members of LNCU actively engaged in each presentation, asking questions and providing feedback. The members of LNCU expressed particular interest in KNCU’s GCED activities, saying that implementing GCED within the ASP network in Laos is relatively new and has become one of its top priorities. The two Commissions also engaged in discussions on the implications, challenges and opportunities presented by SDG 4 – Education 2030.

During the visit, the staff members from LNCU also made visits to APCEIU and two Korean schools in the UNESCO Associated Schools Project Network (ASPnet) that have good practices in GCED as well as ESD implementation. Mr. Masouvanh said that LNCU gained insights not only on the directions they could adopt but also on very practical methods and strategies they can apply when implementing GCED and managing ASPnet in Laos.

Following this study visit, KNCU and LNCU look forward to continuing to build a strong cooperative relationship in diverse areas of UNESCO’s mandate, building on their existing collaboration in relation to a website development project and cooperation in the area of education.