The Cabinet has approved the Maldives’ participation in two UNESCO conventions on the recognition of higher education qualifications: the Asia-Pacific Regional Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications in Higher Education (Tokyo Convention) and the Global Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications concerning Higher Education.
The decision was made at the Cabinet meeting on Sunday, 1 November, following deliberations on a paper submitted by the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Skills Development.
The proposal will be submitted to the Parliament for approval by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, as stipulated under Article 93(a) of the Constitution.
To assess the implications of joining the conventions, UNESCO conducted a national assessment titled National Assessment of the Benefits and Implications of Ratifying the Global Convention and Tokyo Convention. Additionally, UNESCO and the Maldives Qualifications Authority (MQA) also jointly conducted a mission and held focus group discussions with relevant stakeholders to gather their views on the proposed participation.
The assessment found that joining the conventions would help align the Maldives’ higher education sector with international standards and facilitate the entry of international students and academic staff into the country. It would also create opportunities for Maldivian students to pursue higher education abroad and return home with internationally recognised qualifications.