From November 26-28, 2024, the Ministry of Education of Timor-Leste participated in the 47th SEAMEO High Officials Meeting (HOM) held in Bangkok, Thailand. The Timor-Leste delegation was led by Madam Odilia Das Dores Ung Martins, the General Director for Policy Planning and Inclusion, who served as the head of delegation. She was accompanied by Mr. Aquiles Gusmão, Liaison Officer for ASEAN Affairs.
Madam Odilia, General Director for Planning, Policy, and Inclusion, actively participated in the 47th SEAMEO High Officials Meeting (HOM) and several key sessions held from November 26-28, 2024, at the Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel and Towers in Bangkok. The event brought together SEAMEO’s High Officials, Designated Officials, and representatives from SEAMEO Member and Associate Member countries to discuss critical issues in education across Southeast Asia.
Day One: Consultations and Strategic Sessions.
On the first day, Madam Odilia took part in the Consultation Meeting for the Inception Report of the Regional Mapping Study on Gender and Education in Southeast Asia. This session focused on addressing gender disparities in education across the region, setting the stage for future action.
Later, she participated in the 47th SEAMEO HOM In-Camera Session, followed by a Special Session covering a wide range of educational topics. These included SEAMEO training on Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning, CPRN (SEAMEO VOCTECH), and the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into Education Policy. The Session were focused on enhancing educational quality through innovation, technology, and robust monitoring systems.
Day Two: Official Opening and Reports on Education Progress.
The second day began with an official opening ceremony, where the Minister of Education of Thailand expressed pride in hosting the event and emphasized the region’s commitment to educational excellence. The Minister highlighted Thailand's dedication to supporting SEAMEO's mission and the ongoing efforts to ensure quality education for all learners.
During the 47th SEAMEO HOM Plenary Session, Madam Odilia delivered an extensive report on Timor-Leste’s progress in aligning with SEAMEO's educational priorities. She highlighted significant strides in areas such as basic education, inclusive education, the School Feeding Program (SFP), Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), the SEA-PLM Survey, and recent education legislation.
Timor-Leste’s efforts in educational reform, such as the implementation of inclusive programs and the strengthening of TVET, were particularly emphasized. Despite challenges in infrastructure and resource allocation, Madam Odilia underscored that Timor-Leste’s collaboration with regional partners, supported by policy reforms and data-driven initiatives, has positioned the country on a promising path toward sustainable educational development.
Day Three: Launch of Key Education Reports and Future Strategies.
On the final day, Madam Odilia participated in the launch of the Rapid Scoping Study Report on Out-of-School Children and Youth in Southeast Asia. This report addresses one of the region’s most pressing educational challenges, seeking innovative solutions to bring marginalized youth back into the educational fold. The speakers delivered a keynote speech on the challenges of inclusion in the region, reinforcing the need for education systems that cater to all children, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
The conference concluded with a report summary presentation by the EdTech Hub, emphasizing the role of technology in addressing educational gaps and improving access to quality education.
Regional Commitment to Education Excellence.
Throughout the event, discussions centered on regional unity, innovation, and the commitment to building resilient and inclusive education systems across Southeast Asia. The Director of SEAMEO Secretariat highlighted the importance of ensuring all learners have access to quality education, underscoring SEAMEO’s role in fostering partnerships to tackle the region's most pressing educational issues.
Key Takeaways for Timor-Leste.
Madam Odilia’s participation at the 47th SEAMEO HOM highlighted key strategies for addressing educational challenges in Timor-Leste and the broader Southeast Asian region. These include fostering regional cooperation, ensuring inclusivity, and leveraging innovation and technology to enhance learning. Furthermore, the discussions reaffirmed SEAMEO’s role in advancing education, science, and culture, setting the foundation for future initiatives aimed at creating resilient, sustainable education systems.
As Timor-Leste continues to build on its educational reforms, collaboration with SEAMEO and other regional partners will be instrumental in shaping a brighter future for the country’s youth. The conference concluded with a call for continued collaboration, data-driven decision-making, and innovative approaches to ensure that all children in Southeast Asia, including those from marginalized groups, have access to quality education.
