Education is Key to Remove Poverty
and Acheive ICPD and MDGs
Asia Pacific Workshop of Academic Parliamentarians on
Education, Population, & Sustainable Development, March 8-9 2005 Krabi, Thailand
Around 75 members of parliament with teaching background, experts, and youth leaders assembled in Krabi Province, Thailand to discuss their role in education, and population issues and its relation with sustainable development at the Asia-Pacific and Central Asian Academic Parliamentarians Workshop on Education, Population, and Sustainable Development.
The workshop marks several first initiatives by AFPPD. This workshop was the first of its kind to bring together about 40 members of parliament from 16 countries to sit and discuss on education and population issues and how the same can be integrated with development issues. All of them, teachers and professors, made a significant contribution on education and population issues and how the same can be integrated with development education.
Similarly, this was also the first workshop organized under the new policy adopted by AFPPD to contribute and increase confidence to the tsunami affected areas by hosting events in those region. Krabi, which was affected by the December tsunami disaster, was chosen as the venue of the workshop so as to give the people and local government moral support and assurance for its tourism industry.
The participation and dialogue of youth representatives also added a new and interesting dimension to parliamentarians. Around 8 Asian youth organization representatives provided by Indian Committee of Youth Organisations (ICYO), International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF), Population Services International (PSI), and others also made an impression on parliamentarians.
Involvement of Youth Important for Sexual and Reproductive Health
Sen. Mr. Suchon Chaleekure,
President of the Senate of Thailand
The workshop received the opening address from H.E. Sen. Mr. Suchon Chaleekure, President of the Senate of Thailand. H.E. Sen. Mr. Nipon, First Vice President of the Senate of Thailand represented the Hon. President of the Senate and delivered the address on behalf of him. Below is an excerpt of the address.
“I am grateful for the invitation extended to me by the Hon. Mr. Yoshio Yatsu, Chairman of Asian Forum of Parliamentarians on Population and Development, to open this Asia-Pacific Workshop of Academic Parliamentarian on Education, Population, and Sustainable Development. I know that AFPPD, has been working to mobilize parliamentarians not only in Thailand but across Asia and the pacific for policy development in population and development including the very important issues of Reproductive Health, HIV/AIDS, and Gender Equity, brings us together today to this very important and innovative workshop for parliamentarians.
This approach to bring parliamentarians with teaching background together to discuss education, population issues, and its relationship with sustainable development will be quite useful. Being educationalists and parliamentarians you may like to devote your considerable energy in promoting education keeping population issue in focus, urging and convincing your parliaments to do the same.
Thailand has 97% and 93% of male and female primary education enrollment. The population of students gaining education upto the 5th grade is at 84% male and 80% female, which is a drop but we plan to correct this ratio. Also, I am happy to say that our level of illiteracy stands low at 3% male and 6% female. In my opinion, this should also be improved. In thailand no one should be uneducated. Our population indicators are also improving. The country’s birth rate stands at 1.8. We have been able to bring down the HIV/AIDS infections between 15-24 age group to 1.09%.
Ladies and gentlemen, let us then use this innovative platform to make our contributions. Experts from various agencies like UNFPA, UNESCO, UNICEF, UNDP, SEAMEO, amongst others, join us here for this workshop. I am confident that your valuable input will better equip us with knowledge on the various aspects of education, population and development related issues and activities. You are also joined by youth participants, with whom we get first hand face-to-face reflections on what are the issues and concerns faced by youth of our region. Let us share experiences, information, and knowledge. Let us discuss the importance of Adolescent Reproductive and Sexual Health, Youth Counseling, Gender Mainstreaming, and incorporate these issues in the education system as we all realize how important these factors play in the development of youth population. We also recognize the role of computer technology, Internet, and mass media in advocacy of reproductive health issues and education. Lastly, we should commit ourselves as teachers as well as elected representatives for the cause of sustainable development and population issues, using education as an important tool.
AFPPD Chairman Surveys Tsunami Affected Area
Mr. Yoshio Yatsu, Chairman AFPPD went on a field inspection visit of the tsunami devastated areas of Krabi and Phuket provinces in Thailand. The helicopter survey included stops at Phi Phi island and Khao Lak island, the islands which incurred the most damage to human lives and to physical infrastructure.
Mr. Yatsu expressed deep shock and concern at the destruction caused by the natural catastrophe. He said that by personally visiting and seeing the sites of destruction, he has come to know the true nature the tragedy. He shared experiences of how Japan has dealt with previous tsunami disasters. He expressed his condolences to the local people and wished for a speedy recovery. Mr. Shuiichi Kato, MP Japan, Sen. Dr. Virapong Skolkitivat, Sen. Maliwan Ngernmune, Pol. Lt. General Paskorn Ruksul, and Ms. Miho Yamazaki of AFPPD accompanied him.
Enhanced Education Contributes to Stabilization of Population and
Sustainable Development - Mr. Yoshio Yatsu, MP Japan
The opening address of The Asia Pacific Workshop of Academic Parliamentarians on Population and Development was given by Mr. Yoshio Yatsu, MP Japan and Chairman of AFPPD, who has devoted much of his time and efforts for the cause of population, environment, and development in Japan and throughout Asia, commended the workshop for being the first of its kind to bring together parliamentarians with teaching background to sit and discuss on education, population, and its inter-linkages for sustainable development.
Mr. Yatsu placed education at the center of development, quoting Dr. Amartya Sen in saying that education enables people to escape from poverty, and thus sustainable development eventually may be realized. He further spoke on the close inter-linkages between education, population, and sustainable development, citing evidences of the role of ICT and education mediums to better equip people to make well-informed choices.
Reflecting on the state of the world population released by the United Nations Population Division. Mr. Yatsu expressed his concern and alarmed parliamentarians that as the world population grows rapidly, the poor are getting poorer and thus sustainable development a more distant reality. He urged parliamentarians to work to better the level of literacy, and equip people, especially the youth, with reproductive and sexual health information so that they can make better decisions and manage population. Mr. Yatsu, stated there are immense empirical evidence on the strong positive relationships between education attainment, better individual socio-economic prosperity, and thus leading to social and economic progress of societies, better natural resource management including conservation and rapid technological adoption. His recommendation to parliamentarians was therefore to investment in primary education as basically the best method of reducing poverty and inequality and leading to enhanced education contributes stabilization of population and sustainable development.
In closing Mr. Yoshio Yatsu hoped the workshop helped in identifying how strategically education could be translated in the context of population and sustainable development. He urged parliamentarians that the commitments in this conference are taken into action and monitored.
Workshop Gives Confidence to Tsunami Devastated Region
Sen. Dr. Malinee Sukavejworakit, Secretary General of AFPPD and Hon. Mr. Arnon Promnart, Governor of Krabi province gave the Welcome address at the workshop. Sen. Dr. Malinee Sukavejworakit spoke on the activities of AFPPD and its initiatives, more particularly to involve professional parliamentarians to work on the issues of population and development, under the Professional Parliamentarians Programme. She mentioned that this UNFPA/JTF supported Asia Pacific and Central Asian Workshop of Academic parliamentarians on Education, Population, and Sustainable Development falls under this programme in which AFPPD has earlier organized medical parliamentarians conference, academic parliamentarians conference, and will soon approach parliamentarians with legal background.
Dr. Malineee thanked the resource persons for their time and efforts to contribute to the workshop and urged parliamentarians and youth representatives to work on the issue of population, education, and sustainable development after this workshop and bring results.
H.E. Mr. Arnon Promnart welcomed all parliamentarians to Krabi, Thailand. He expressed his concern over the current economic situation of the Tsunami hit province, while also expressing confidence that Krabi will soon cover. He thanked AFPPD for choosing Krabi as the venue for the workshop and encouraged all parliamentarians to help in the efforts of recovery of Tsunami hit regions.
Partnerships Important for Education, Sustainable Development
Mr. Sheldon Shaeffer, Regional Director, UNESCO
The Keynote Address for the Academic Parliamentarians Workshop was given by Mr. Sheldon Shaeffer, Regional Director, UNESCO. Mr. Sheldon spoke on “Education and Sustainable Development (ESD): How much is Population a Factor?” by highlighting the UN Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (DESD) at the World Summit on Sustainable Development Johannesburg, 2002.
Mr. Sheldon pointed out that key areas of sustainable development are society, environment, economy, with culture as an underlying dimension. According to him, ESD equally addresses all of these four elements in a holistic and integrated manner. ESD uses a partnership approach that engages multiple sectors and stakeholders – including media and the private sector – and utilises all forms and methods of public awareness-raising, education, and training to promote an understanding of sustainable development – it’s more than classroom teaching. ESD is about learning rather than teaching, and therefore requires: Reforming the structure and nature of basic education, reorienting existing education programmes, developing public awareness about what sustainability means and building capacity within education systems and across all other ESD partners.
Some key characteristics of ESD is that it is interdisciplinary and holistic, it is values-driven, it focuses on critical thinking and problem-solving. ESD is also multi-methodological, participatory in decision-making and locally relevant. Mr. Sheldon elaborated that ESD is related to some important strategic issues such as population growth, human rights, gender equality, cultural diversity, health, HIV/AIDS, rural transformation, sustainable urbanization, disparities, inequality, and poverty reduction. The role of stakeholders was also discussed as highly important. Partnerships between stakeholders, and especially between civil societies, NGOs, and networks, and regional bodies was said to be exceptionally important.
Mr. Sheldon concluded by emphasizing that population growth and resulting poverty, environmental degradation, and conflict make sustainable development difficult to achieve. Therefore education systems – and specifically Education for Sustainable Development — must directly address the issues of population growth to help ensure that sustainable development can more likely be achieved.
Sexual Education Reduces Risky Behaviour, Delays Sexual Activity
Dr. Peter Chen, Advisor, UNFPA/CST Bangkok
Dr. Peter Chen, Advisor, Adolescents Reproductive Health, UNFPA/CST, Bangkok provided parlia- mentarians with what was an informative background session with his talk on the topic “Education, Population and Reproductive Health” chaired by Mr. Shuuichi Kato, MP Japan. Dr. Peter Chen in his paper reminded the parliamentarians why Education, Population, and Reproductive health finds importance in the workshop.
Nearly early half of all people in the world are under 25. They will be the parents of the next generation.
Their decisions about education, sexual relationships, marriage and childbirth will have enormous impact on their lives and, in turn, on their communities and nations and ultimately the stabilization of world population.
He further went to say that many young people of both sexes are badly informed about sexual matters. Social and sexual inequalities learned during childhood and adolescence increase girls’ vulnerability to pregnancy and HIV infection because they cannot negotiate safe sex as equals in a relationship.
According to Mr. Chen, to counter this, it is important to introduce sexuality education and sexual reproductive health in school curriculums. Unlike population education, sexual reproductive health needs to be treated as a separate subject and not as extra curricular. Contrary to some conservative misgivings, studies have overwhelmingly shown that sexuality education reduces risky behavior, delays sexual activity and does not lead to promiscuity.
Panel Discussion: Sexuality Should Be Viewed Positively
The importance of Reproductive Health and Sexual Education Counseling in the context of the Asian Youth was discussed in a panel consisting of Dr. Chung Ui Hwa, MP Korea, Ms. Sita Micheal Bormann, Programme Coordinator. RHIYA, EU/UNFPA, and Mr. Montri Pekanan, Deputy Executive Director, PPAT, Thailand and chaired by Rep. Henedina Abad, MP Philippines.
Korea Adopts Technology to Reach Youth
-Dr. Chung Ui Hwa, MP Korea-
Dr. Chung Ui Hwa presented the case of Korea, citing examples of how the youth in Korea are well informed about sexual and reproductive health issues. The highlight of Mr. Hwa’s presentation was on the Korean governments use of ICT for communicating with its youth on reproductive and sexual health. By means of advanced and innovative ICT like internet and telecommunication channels, especially mobile phones, the government has set up programs to transmit age and culture appropriate sexual education information.
This approach has become very effective according to Dr. Hwa as the youth of today’s modern world are more interested and connected to modern technologies than to teaching and reading. Using advanced and competitive communicative channels also makes it easier for the government to reach a wider section of the youth population and keep them informed.
Upscaling and Allocation of Funds Needed
-Ms. Sita Micheal Bormann, RHIYA EU/UNFPA-
Ms. Sita Micheal Bormann briefed the parliamentarians on the Reproductive Health Initiative for Youth of Asia, a joint programme of the European Union/UNFPA that works in South Asian and South East Asian countries. She spoke more particularly on the Vietnam case where more than half of the population is Youth (52%). She expressed her concern that youth in Vietnam have limited access to ARSH information and services, and are the group with the highest risk of unwanted pregnancy, abortion, STIs, and HIV/AIDS. There are currently very few youth-friendly services (YFS), and even less in public health centers. RHIYA, builds and provides to this end by enabling policy environment for youth-oriented RH information and services at national and local level. Ms. Bormann concluded that with recommendations based on the findings of her programme. Some recommendations include to involve policy-makers and youth in collaborative efforts, to increase advocacy efforts, to upscale and allocate funds, provide opportunities to access information, education, and services, and to recognize that sexual needs are important and to view sexuality positively.
Grassroots Level Initiatives for ARSH
-Dr. Montri Pekannan, Deputy Executive Director, PPAT-
Mr. Montri Pekanan, described the activities of Planned Parenthood Association of Thailand, and its many involvements in family planning, reproductive and sexual health. Most of its programmes, which are at the community level in various provincial locations of Thailand, have received high appreciation for its successes. PPAT closely works with various NGOs, INGOs, and also with the government agencies. PPAT and AFPPD also share a close working relationship whereby it has involved parliamentarians in local grassroots level programmes and initiatives for reproductive and sexual health for Youth.
Panel Discussion on Culture and Religion:
Education Helps Overcome Religious Misgivings About Sexual and Reproductive Behaviour
A very interesting session of the workshop was the session on cultural and religious factors in education for population, and reproductive health. Panelists from four major faiths spoke on their respective religion’s perspective towards sexual and reproductive health. This session was chaired by Sen. Tuenjai Deetes.
Buddhism by Dr. Nantasarn Seesalab
Dr. Nantasarn Seesalab, Advisor to the World Buddhist University spoke on Buddhism teaching towards fidelity and self-control, about moral responsibility towards ones own body and life, and that of others. He related these Buddhist values and teachings to be a guideline for people to practice responsible, faithful, and healthy, sexual practices.
Islam by Mrs. Tuti I. Loekman, MP Indonesia
Speaking on Islam, Ms. Loekman mentioned that the doctrine of Islam preaches gender quality and gender equity, and places women in a particularly high regard. She mentioned that Islam, also preaches morality and responsibility towards family. Mrs. Loekman emphasized that in Islam, the idea of shared responsibility towards family, and towards reproductive health is clearly defined. Men and women both are expected to have an equal say when it comes to family planning and reproductive health and also in domestic matters.
Hindusim by Dr. P.K. Patasani, MP India
Dr. Patasani talked about how Hinduism views sexuality as a act of union between two souls, and therefore also encourages the union to be faithful. He spoke on Hindu views of abstinence and of healthy sexual and reproductive practices. Hinduism, according to Dr. Patasani, is a religion that recognizes sexuality as an important and positive aspect of life but one should not misinterpret that to indulge in loose sexual behaviors.
Christianity by Father V.M. Thomas
Father Thomas said that reproductive and fertility behaviors that religions prescribe for their people should be those that help them to develop as holistic, integrated, dignified human beings. Education, according to Father Thomas, is the best weapon to meet a problem like population boom and dangerous reproductive behaviors. According to him, even if certain religions and cultural influences may be there in peoples negative reproductive behaviors, these can be positively overcome not by educational efforts to correct the religious content in reproductive behaviors of populations but by educational endeavors to build awareness on advantages of positive reproductive behavior outcomes and ways to reach that end.
Importance of Condom Use Should be Emphasised Amongst Youth
Ms. Cheng Wing-Sie, Regional Advisor, HIV/AIDS, UNICEF
Ms. Cheng Wing-Sie, Regional Adviser, HIV/AIDS, UNICEF East Asia and the Pacific spoke on HIV/AIDS Information for Young People with emphasis on Non-Student Youth: What is the Best Methodology in Providing it? chaired by Sen. Dr. Fook Weng Chin, MP Malaysia. In her comprehensive presentation of the general and country specific status of HIV/AIDS situation amongst the youth of Asia, she said that all evidence suggests that, in every country, regardless of the status of the epidemic, young people aged 15 – 24 are particularly vulnerable to HIV/AIDS.
Ms. Cheng Wing Sie further spoke about the key predictors of HIV prevention. Firstly, the lifetime number of sexual partners is one predictor by which reducing the number of sexual partners reduces the risk of HIV exposure. Faithfulness does not necessarily lead to lower incidence of HIV - unless neither has HIV infections and both are consistently faithful. Secondly, and importantly, Correct and consistent condom use helps reduce the risk of HIV transmission for sexually active young people. Research has found that if condoms are not easily accessible, other prevention strategies lose much of their potential effectiveness.
In regard to the “out of school youth”, Ms. Cheng Wing Sie said that the task is even more difficult as young people out of school are everywhere. Several approaches, which can be rightly focused to reach them may be 1.Workplace interventions 2. Community based interventions 3. Mostly through peer education – by cultivating “positive deviants”
Ms. Cheng Wing Sie called on the parliamentarians to advocate greater data collection and tracking to better monitor behavioral trends, including emerging risk behaviors among young people; to Advocate greater resource investment in young people’s programmes, reproductive health services and counseling for young people; to promote wide and easy access to condoms; breaking the culture of silence surrounding adolescents’ sexual knowledge; and to support local leaders with more peer education focusing young people out of school.
Face-to-Face with Youth Panel Discussion:
Youth Demand Openness to Sexual Needs and Sexuality Issues
One of the highlights of the workshop was the “Face-to-Face with Youth” session moderated by Dr. Peter Chen, Advisor, ARH, UNFPA/CST Bangkok, where youth representatives from youth organizations across Asia spoke in a panel discussion with parliamentarians expressing views and concerns on adolescent specific topics of population, education, and development.
The youth representatives in the panel included Ms. Arushi Aingh, IPPF, India, Ms. Astha Rijal, Youth Initiative, Nepal, Mr. Ly Maccara, Population Services International, Cambodia, Mr. Clarence Sim, Malaysian Aids Council, Malaysia. Youth members nominated through Indian Council of Youth Organisations were also present. All of them briefly spoke on their country situations and reflected a more personal anecdotes giving a real feel of the concerns faced Asian youth in regard to sexual and reproductive health. Discussions, especially those revolving sexuality and sexual education, caused heightened interest and debates as the youth and parliamentarians shared varied views. Both youth and parliamentarians saw this as an useful session, which helped in getting a clearer understanding of how both parties can work collaboratively to meet the needs of Asian youth.
ICT Needed for Preventive Education to the Poor and Marginalised
Dr. M.R. Rujaya Abhakorn, Consultant, SEAMEO
Dr. M.R. Rujaya Abhakorn, Consultant, South East Asian Ministers of Education Organisation, spoke on Education- ICT and Reproductive and Sexual Health. This session was chaired by Sen. Dr. Virapong Skolkitivat. He talked on the role of preventive action by means of ICT, saying that school-based preventive education programme plays a major role in prevention activities especially for the youth. It is a key approach for a comprehensive prevention and care programme. In addition, the school setting offers a ready made infrastructure for the delivery of preventive education. It can reach large number of young ones long before they get to be sexually active. The use of the skills-based approach in preventive education enhances the development of life skills that enable the youth to make healthy decisions to protect them from HIV/AIDS and also improve their educational and economic opportunities.
To Further his talk on the role of ICT, Dr. Abhakorn suggested that use of ICT in HIV/AIDS preventive education can promote fundamental improvements in teaching and learning. Nonetheless, it should be emphasized that mere exposure to ICT is not an end goal. ICT interventions should be integrated into broader educational processes. ICT stimulates higher order cognitive learning like problem-solving through creative projects involving all students both in the classroom and co-curricular activities.
According to SEAMEO, HIV/AIDS preventive education is most needed among the poor and marginalized people. Poverty can never be eradicated as long as people do not know how to lead a healthy way of life and protect themselves from basic diseases. By concentrating on border communities, the Project brought new methods in learning to the people that need them most.
The most desirable outcome would be the development of ICT culture that corresponds to life skills in handling information, acquiring knowledge, using knowledge and information in social communication and interaction, making intelligent use of ICTs in the process.
Managing “Social” Media to Reach Development Goals
Mr. Dilip Cherian, Consulting Partner, Perfect Relations, India
Mr. Dilip Cherian, Consulting Partner, Perfect Relations, India, shared with the parliamentarians his expertise, the role of media in Education, Population, and Sustainable Development. This session was chaired by Dr. Ahn Myoung-Ock, MP Korea. Mr. Cherian started his presentation by reminder that parliamentarians are expected to communicate on the various development issues transparently while reflecting accountability for the issues and good governance in the promotion of sustainable human development.
Mr. Cherian talked on what he refers to as an evolving social agenda for policy makers which has education, population, and sustainable as underlying issues and the role of ‘social’ media to address these issues. Mr. Cherian elaborated on these roles, particularly the need to sensitize the issues; to build public awareness; to influence “other” policy makers for enactment; Provide an outside monitoring on the implementation of policies; and to build an alliance for advocacy on developmental issues.
Mr. Dilip Cherian took this opportunity to brief parliamentarians on an understating of Media, how the media functions, and how to best capitalize on it for social gains. According to him media is not a homogenous entity but one with increasingly fragmented audiences, specialized interests, narrow casters – both subjects and audience. This complexity therefore calls for the need for planning and understanding the media, and answering some basic questions such as which media to use, who to contact, and how to contact, along with understanding editorial policies and operating practices, tips on media etiquette, interview and reporting tips, press release and conference tips, amongst others.
Mr. Cherian furthered into the operating details, benefits and drawbacks of utilizing the various media forms, whether it is print, radio, TV, internet. He urged the parliamentarians to understand media thoroughly and be up-to- date to changing technology to have an edge in reaching a wider section of audience with their social message.
Enforcement of Small Family Norm by Law Does Not Work
Dr. Jyoti Singh, Former Deputy Executive Director, UNFPA
Mr. Jyoti Singh, Former Deputy Executive Director of UNFPA, with his vast expertise provided the gathering with his views on family planning and small family norm and its relevance to ICPD. Mr. Singh said that the debate on this topic is not entirely over. There are many in countries of South Asia who still believe that quotas and targets are useful in extending the coverage and outreach of family planning and reproductive health programmes. Many of them also believe that ‘population control’ measures are necessary to reduce the rate of population growth. This belief is exemplified by the rules adopted in recent years by the legislatures of several Indian states which restrict the number of children a public official should have.
However, Mr. Singh’s mentioned that these rules may have never been fully enforced. Mr. Singh expressed his firm belief that coercion in family planning or enforcement of the small family norm by law is morally wrong and went on to say that, in any case, does not work. According to him, most importantly, the success of family planning in many countries around the world is based on adequate and regular provision of reproductive health commodities and regular and steady delivery of a wide range of services to all those who need them. He further mentioned that there are several countries in Asia.
According to Mr. Singh, education, especially for girls has emerged as a major factor contributing to the acceptance of small family norm and of family panning and other reproductive health services.
Mr. Singh concluded by saying that provision of a broad range of reproductive health services, including family planning, education, particularly of girls, and empowerment of women in political, economic and social spheres are thus inter-related, indeed complementary goals that need to be pursued energetically if alleviation of poverty and other Millennium Development Goals are to be achieved by 2015. Parliamentarians, as representatives of grass roots communities and as leaders of public opinion, have clearly a significant role to play in this regard. Mr. Francisco H. Roque, Advisor, UNESCO Bangkok was the chair of this session.
Panel Discussion: Parliaments Should Allocate More Budget for
Education and Population
A panel consisting of Rep. Mario Joyo Aguja, MP Philippines, Mr. Kamlesh Kumar Arya, MP Fiji, and Mr. Elmer Lighid, ICOMP Malaysia, discussed on “Education, Population, and Development: What can be done?” The speakers with their respective backgrounds spoke on the linkages between the cross sectors of Education, Population, and Development and summarized the key issues which makes efforts to this end very crucial. They discussed about the role various stakeholders can play to achieve a better quality of life, and more importantly the role of parliamentarians. Mr. Arya and Rep. Aguja provided a background of efforts taken by the parliament and parliamentary committees o ftheir respective countries and briefed the audience on budget allocations, policies, and programmes which are pro-population development. Mr. Elmer Lighid spoke on the links, key issues, and policy options for population, education, and sustainable development. This session was chaired by Mr. Mahendra Singh, Former Minister of Education, Madhya Pradesh, India.
Closing Ceremony
The Academic Parliamentarians Workshop received closing address from Sen. Dr. Malinee Sukavejworakit who thanked the parliamentarians for their productive contribution to the workshop in sharing perspectives, ideas, and experiences and urged the participants to follow up on the commitments made at the workshop. Begum Tehmina Dastee, MP Paksitan, spoke to give her impression of the workshop and said there is need for regular reminder to parliament n their role. She said that the real success depends on the implementation of lessons learnt and commitments made at the workshop.
Krabi Statement
We, the parliamentarians from sixteen countries of Asia and Pacific
gathered at the AFPPD workshop on Education, Population, and Sustainable Development in Krabi, Thailand during 8-9 March 2005
Recognize that education is one of the key determinants of reducing poverty, managing population and achieving sustainable development, a crucial component of well- being and a basic human right; and that despite the progress that has been made in improving education in our countries further progress is needed to develop the full potential of our most valuable human resources to achieve sustainable development and improve the quality of life;
Recognize further that in many countries disparities by gender and among various population groups persist in improving access to education; and that the content and quality of education need considerable improvements to meet the standards required by the increasing demand for a skilled workforce in an increasingly interdependent and globalized environment;
Realize that in many of our countries the number and proportion of young people are very high and that any delay in improving access to and enhancing quality of education will be detrimental to the progress of our peoples and Nations;
Realize further that age - appropriate education on matters related to sexual and reproductive health, HIV/AIDS and respect for gender equality and equity as well as healthy gender relationships are critical components of education;
Noting that social, religious, and cultural factors, norms, beliefs, and contexts have an impact on improving education and bridging educational gaps;
COMMIT OURSELVES, in our capacity as representatives of the people and as members of the national parliaments, to:
- Work tirelessly towards eradicating illiteracy, achieving universal primary education and bridging
the education gaps that represent a fundamental inequality in our globalized world;
- Advocate actively and consistently within and outside the parliaments and with local representatives, administrators, and social, religious, and cultural groups and support all efforts to meet the goals and objectives of poverty reduction, population management, and improving education as contained in the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), International Conference on Population and Development Programme of Action (ICPD PoA) and of the United Nations Literacy Decade;
- Consult youth groups to promote educational policies and programmes so as to provide relevant education to meet their needs and aspirations, geared to bridge the education gaps, promote gender equality, and foster healthy gender relationships; and
- Mobilize financial support as well as the support of other leaders in society, promote the utilization of technological advances and the media as well as removing social, cultural, and religious barriers to meet the educational goals, monitor the progress, and take steps to address any challenges that may emerge from time to time.
IN BRIEF...
Asian Parliamentarians Meet Dr. Thorya Obaid and Ms. Imelda Henkins in New York
Parliamentarians and ministers from Asia attended the 49th Session of the Commission on Women in UN Headquarters in New York where they also met with Dr. Thoraya Obaid, Executive Director, UNFPA and Mrs. Imelda Henkins, Deputy Executive Director on March 4, 2005. The parliamentarians including Hon. Adi Asenaca Caucau, Minister for Women, Social Welfare and Poverty Alleviation, Fiji, Dr. Souvanpheng Boupphanouvong, Director of the Lao National Commission for Advancement of Women (LaoNCAW), and Chansoda Phonethip, Deputy Director of LaoNCAW, discussed with Dr. Obaid and Mrs. Henkins about the importance of women in developing societies and on gender equity and gender equality especially in the Asian context.
Round Table on HIV/AIDS in Kazakhstan
The Committee of Socio-Cultural Development of the Senate of Parliament of Republic of Kazakhstan organized a round table on a theme: “Prevention and Treatment of HIV/AIDS in Kazakhstan” on February 23, 2005. Members of the parliament, representatives of Ministries, international organizations and different NGOs participated. Problems and measures on counteraction of HIV/AIDS in Kazakhstan were discussed. Sen. Mr. Beksultan Tutkushev, Head of the Parliamentarian Group “Otbasy-Family” of the Parliament of Kazakhstan and vice-chairperson of AFPPD was the chairman & moderator of the meeting.
Personal Commitments Made at the Workshop
“I ensure that I will try to emphasize the basic idea that education population and sustainable development are interrelated and need to be addressed as a most important national issue in our country.”
Ms. Asiya Azeem, MP Pakistan
“I propose to establish youth non-profit organizations, which cover reproductive health issues including HIV/AIDS, abortion, etc to promote the healthy sexual culture among youth at the national level.”
Dr. Ui Hwa Chung, MP Korea
“I am committed to advocate Muslim scholars as well as Muslim organizations through discussion and teach them to support to meet the goals and objectives of MDG.”
Mr. Tosari Widjaja, MP, Indonesia
“I will create an awareness among the Fellow Parliamentarians about the imperative need for population reduction through relevant educational policies and programmes, more particularly population education. Over a period of time, I will pursue a Private Member Bill on this aspect and present it before the parliament of India.”
Prof. M. Ramadass, MP, India
“We are commited to promote reproductive health, HIV/AIDS knowledge to the parliamentarians by organizing workshops, meeting etc; To promote youth issues as the main topic of all national committee.”
Cambodian Delegation
“I am committed to continue the social effort of eradicating ignorance and promoting knowledge at all levels, including enhancement of programmes on Adolescent Reproductive Health and HIV/AIDS.”
Mr. Kamlesh Kumar Arya, MP, Fiji
“We commit ourselves to amend various legislation, especially in education to include reproductive health, sexuality, child centered education; legislation of mass media to include more programmmes educating reproductive health and sexuality.”
Mr. Gundalai Lamjar and Mr. Zerenbaljir Bataa, MP, Mongolia
“I am committed to promote and advance education as a tool towards creating awareness on population and recycling issues as these have their effects on sustainable development.”
Sen. Dr. Fook Weng Chin, MP Malaysia
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