Abstract
PurposeThe impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have transformed the global outlook for international higher education. Given the rapid shift to online learning, the Tokyo Convention in the Asia-Pacific entrusted to UNESCO has become an important policy framework to facilitate regional collaboration, authoritative information sharing and recognition of qualifications across diverse modes of learning. This paper examines the role of the Tokyo Convention to establish an inclusive platform for monitoring and collaborative governance of mobility and internationalization based on fair and transparent recognition policies and practices in the Asia-Pacific.Design/methodology/approachIn August 2019, a standardized survey instrument was sent by the Secretariat of the Tokyo Convention Committee at UNESCO Bangkok to competent recognition authorities in 46 countries in the Asia-Pacific, including the eight State Parties to the Tokyo Convention that ratified the Convention as of the reporting period. In total, qualitative data from n = 27 countries/states was received and analyzed to assess implementation of the Tokyo Convention throughout the region. The research design illustrates how normative instruments such as the Tokyo Convention are monitored and assessed over time.FindingsA multi-stakeholder approach based on collaborative governance is needed to effectively monitor implementation and implications of the Tokyo Convention for diverse higher education stakeholders in the Asia-Pacific region.Research limitations/implicationsImplications include establishing baseline data and methods for monitoring implementation of the Tokyo Convention. Based on collaborative governance theory, the paper explores potential for a multi-stakeholder approach to promote mutual accountability in the Asia-Pacific and to develop mechanisms for inclusive participation in the governance of the forthcoming Global Convention on recognition.Originality/valueAs the first systematic review of its kind, this paper includes a unique dataset and insights into UNESCO's methodology to monitor implementation of standard-setting instruments for qualifications recognition in the Asia-Pacific.
Highlights
The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted education systems, training and international mobility at an unprecedented scale
Based on analysis of the Tokyo Convention itself and data from country reports, the third section of this paper provides an overview of how the Convention is implemented in the AsiaPacific region
Development and maintenance of an National Information Centre (NIC) that will provide higher education information (Article VIII.3) Establish a network of NICs to uphold and assist the practical implementation (Article IX.3.1) Appoint a member to the network (Article IX.3.2) Meet annually in plenary session, in conjunction with ordinary sessions of the Tokyo convention committee (Rules of procedure 3.3) Collect relevant information from the parties relating to academic recognition and mobility (Article IX.3.5)
Summary
The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted education systems, training and international mobility at an unprecedented scale. The purpose is to reduce barriers to cross-border mobility including, but not limited to: the right to apply for admission to higher education; and/or the possibility to seek employment opportunities subject to domestic laws and regulations (UNESCO, 2011) Along these lines, the Convention supports information sharing among authorities and quality assurance agencies, which in turns helps to facilitate fair recognition of higher education qualifications and improve mobility governance in the Asia-Pacific region. The evidence presented below illustrates implementation of the Convention among State Parties based on three areas: determining substantial differences among qualifications, developing an authoritative national information center and protecting the rights of vulnerable learners Each of these three areas is important to understand the role of the Tokyo Convention and how limited stakeholder engagement may impact fair recognition policies and practices.
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