Most of the countries in the East Asia and Pacific Region (EAP) are close to meeting the EFA target of universal basic education. With this goal almost met, countries are in the process of setting their sights on new education targets. Possible new targets include raising the quality of basic education; improving readiness for schooling by expanding access to early childhood education; increasing access to secondary and tertiary education; strengthening the preparation of youth for entry into the labor market through reforming post-basic education, especially in technical and vocational education; and ensuring greater equality of educational opportunity in both access and quality by targeting the least privileged communities. But, despite rapid economic growth in the region, limited resources and capacity as well as government budget constraints require countries to make investment choices among these very appealing targets.

Government must set priorities and establish new targets of access and quality for education. The setting of priorities will be guided by country development plans as well as evidence on the costs and benefits of alternative education investment options. It is in this context and at the request of several governments that this regional symposium is organized. Its main objective is to gather policymakers, researchers, development partners and other influential players for critical discussions on setting priorities, assessing tradeoffs, and making policy choices in the area “of beyond basic education.”

It aims to inform education policymakers in the region on the latest evidence and thinking on the economic and social returns to different investment strategies and to assist them in this important decision-making process. The symposium is co-hosted by the Government of Indonesia and the World Bank.