International Educational Development Towards and Beyond 2030: Whose Agendas, and What Goals and Approaches?

 

Since the collapse of the Cold War, the world has entered an era characterized by escalating conflicts, climate emergencies, growing inequalities and deepening divisions. Although global education policies, most notably SDG 4 on inclusive and equitable quality education, have aimed to address these challenges, they remain rooted in a modernization paradigm that often overlooks local contexts, indigenous knowledge systems and structural injustices.

As the 2030 deadline approaches, this symposium critically examines the agendas that shape international educational development and the goals and approaches needed towards and beyond 2030. Taking the Asia-Pacific region — including Japan — as its central focus, the symposium asks how the region's experiences, challenges and innovations can contribute to reimagining education in more inclusive, just and sustainable ways.