From May 19 to 21, 2025, education ministry representatives from across Asia-Pacific, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia and North Africa gathered in Hanoi, Viet Nam, for a powerful 3-day GPE constituency meeting.

This wasn't just a conference. It was a vibrant exchange of ideas, a celebration of progress and a call to transform education systems globally.

From shared challenges to shared solutions

During the meeting, country representatives reflected on tough questions: how do we recover from learning loss? What does equity really look like in the classroom? How can technology and teaching work together to unlock every learner's potential?

Participants, with a collaborative spirit, candidly tackled systemic education issues like teacher shortages, inclusive education and early childhood learning.

Each region brought its own perspectives to the conversation, grounded in local priorities and challenges while also being aligned with GPE's strategy to drive system transformation and for more effective grant use:

• Asia spotlighted inclusive education and the integration of artificial intelligence in classrooms, with a strong emphasis on improving teaching quality. These priorities reflect efforts to reach marginalized populations including youth who are out of school while also addressing the need for stronger data systems and curriculum reform.
• The Middle East and North Africa focused on expanding access to digital technology and resources, improving education governance and better aligning education systems with labor market needs for skills. In many cases, these efforts are shaped by the recovery needs after conflict, gaps in infrastructure and the urgency to address learning loss. Several countries emphasized equity in education, particularly through the development of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) curriculum and digital tools that can extend learning opportunities to marginalized groups.
• Eastern Europe and Central Asia focused on the importance of curriculum reform and teaching approaches that are inclusive and competency based. Regional challenges shared included teacher shortages, weak monitoring systems and damaged school infrastructure in areas impacted by crisis. Strengthening digital transformation, gender equity and public-private collaboration emerged as vital to improving both education quality and system resilience.
• Pacific Islands raised critical priorities such as regional teacher mobility, investment in technical and vocational education and training, and the integration of climate change education. With rising sea levels posing existential threats, partner countries underscored the urgency for education that is climate responsive. There was also a strong call for regional assessments to better understand and address common challenges across dispersed island systems.
• Across all regions, partner countries emphasized the priorities of foundational literacy and numeracy, early childhood education as well as a focus on equity and inclusion. Many also raised concerns about high dropout rates and the need to improve access to quality education, especially in rural and underserved areas.

Learning comes to life: A visit to Viet Nam's schools

One of the most memorable moments was a field visit to a local elementary school in Hanoi.

Nam Thanh Cong Primary school was selected as a strong example of how schools can deliver high quality, inclusive education through dedicated leadership, committed teachers and the effective use of available resources.

Delegates were greeted with a joyful showcase of music, art and dance, proof that learning here is not only rigorous, but joyful and creative.

In small groups, participants stepped into classrooms and witnessed firsthand what education reform looks like in Viet Nam.

The country's efforts to modernize its general education system were clearly on display: lessons supported by smart boards and digital tools, confident students and well-structured instruction all blended seamlessly with warmth, creativity, and a student-centered approach to learning.

The visit wrapped up with a spirited question and answer session.

Topics ranged from language instruction and teacher support to student well-being and nutrition, highlighting a shared urgency to leave no learner behind.

What's next? A call for greater investment and collective action

As the road to GPE's 2026-2030 replenishment campaign to finance education continues, the Hanoi meeting reinforced the vital role of domestic financing, joint and innovative financing mechanisms and stronger public-private partnerships to sustain education transformation.

With GPE's support - through technical assistance, flexible financing and advocacy - partners are pushing to ensure education financing goes further, especially in contexts impacted by crisis or with limited resources.

The energy in Hanoi was clear: countries are ready not only to rethink education, but to reimagine what’s possible—together.

So here’s to every classroom visit, every shared solution and every step forward. Because when policy meets practice, transformation takes root—and children thrive.