Paris (Antara Bali) - The UN Educational, Scientific, and Cultural
Organization (UNESCO) should proactively formulate new, creative
measures to promote educational reforms, so youngsters are ready for the
technology-based digital economy, Indonesias Education and Culture
Minister Muhadjir Effendy stated.
The statement was made by the minister, who is acting as head of
the Indonesian delegations at the 39th UNESCO Assembly in Paris being
held from Oct 30 to Nov 14.
During the biannual meeting, the minister remarked that the UNESCO
should be ready to face global challenges, including the rising
inequality, spread of radicalism and extremism, emergence of racism and
prejudice, and the ongoing degradation of the ecosystem.
As a responsible member of the international community, he said
Indonesia is ready to contribute to the global initiative to find the
best way for UNESCO to help create a better world.
Moreover, he expressed belief that Indonesia had upheld its
commitment to preserving the universal values of the tropical rainforest
legacy.
"We are hosting the Asia-Pacific Eco-Hydrology Centre and a Regional Training program for sea biodiversity," he remarked.
The minister then revealed that Indonesia had recently hosted
UNESCOs World Press Freedom Day back in May in Jakarta, which
demonstrated the countrys strong commitment to developing a free,
independent, and responsible journalistic environment.
Moreover, with the realization that culture is the very DNA of
sustainable development, Indonesia hosted the World Culture Forum in
Bali in both 2013 and 2016.
The forum then adopted the Bali Declaration that laid emphasis on
the countrys commitment in mainstreaming culture into its policies while
at the same time highlighting the importance of the achievement of the
UNs Sustainable Development Goals that is also a vital agenda for the
UNESCO.
During the General Plenary Debate, Minister Effendy said Indonesia
had witnessed a significant advancement in the education sector.
The number of those enrolled in early childhood education programs
has reached 72.3 percent. Last year, Indonesia had received an award
from the UNESCO for Girls and Women Education, specifically for its
outstanding program in gender mainstreaming.
The Primary School Participation Rate has reached more than 100
percent, and the dropout rate reduced to 0.26 percent. The youth
literacy rate has reached almost 100 percent.
It is believed that this is the result of the "Smart Indonesia
Program," a policy ensuring that all children from poor families can
continue their education until the age of 12.
"We have also revitalized the national curriculum by integrating
character, competence, and literature to equip students with 21st
century skills," he remarked.
Revitalizing vocational education is another major priority that
has just begun to be implemented by the government, as Indonesia is
actively strengthening its capacity in the fields of science and
technology. (*)
UNESCO Should Be Ready for Era of Digital Economy: Minister Effendy
Pewarta : Reported by Zeynita Gibbons 3 November 2017 20:24 WIB