The UK deepens ties with ASEAN through a landmark education roundtable, driving inclusive learning reforms and empowering girls across Southeast Asia through strategic partnerships.
The United Kingdom reaffirmed its commitment to improving foundational education globally by co-hosting the ASEAN Ministerial Roundtable on Foundational Learning during the Education World Forum 2025 in London. The high-level event brought together ministers, education experts, and development partners to explore practical solutions for improving literacy and numeracy among children in Southeast Asia.
The roundtable marked a significant moment in UK-ASEAN cooperation, spotlighting the UK’s collaborative approach to supporting inclusive education reforms. Ministers from ASEAN member states, alongside international experts, engaged in frank discussions about the urgency of improving early learning outcomes—particularly for disadvantaged children.
In her opening remarks, UK Ambassador to ASEAN Sarah Tiffin emphasised the UK’s long-standing commitment to high-quality education for all. “This expert-level discussion builds on Southeast Asia’s progress and helps ensure every child has the opportunity to master foundational skills,” she said. “The UK is proud to work with ASEAN to tackle this issue head-on. This aligns with our commitment to gender equality and inclusive development.”
“This expert-level discussion builds on Southeast Asia’s progress and helps ensure every child has the opportunity to master foundational skills. The UK is proud to work with ASEAN to tackle this issue head-on.”
Sarah Tiffin, UK Ambassador to ASEAN
The roundtable was co-organised by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), the What Works Hub for Global Education, and the Global Coalition for Foundational Learning, which includes UNICEF and the Gates Foundation. It forms part of the ASEAN–UK Supporting the Advancement of Girls’ Education (SAGE) programme, a £30 million initiative running until 2028 that aims to improve foundational learning for girls and marginalised groups across ASEAN and Timor-Leste.
Former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown, who also serves as the UN Special Envoy for Global Education, praised ASEAN’s progress in educational development but warned of persistent gaps that continue to affect millions of children. “We must act now to address the foundational learning crisis,” he said. “Proven, scalable solutions exist—and we must leverage innovative financing and partnerships to bring them to every classroom.”
Education experts from the University of Oxford, the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organisation (SEAMEO), the Gates Foundation, and others shared case studies and research-backed strategies to tackle literacy and numeracy shortfalls. Discussions ranged from the use of digital tools to bridge learning gaps to the development of regionally appropriate learning assessments.
A cornerstone of the UK’s support in the region is its co-investment in the Southeast Asia Primary Learning Metrics (SEA-PLM), a regional initiative that helps assess and improve learning outcomes. The programme provides education ministries with data and insights to design better policies and curricula.
The ASEAN representatives underscored the importance of peer learning and regional collaboration, highlighting the effectiveness of cross-country exchanges in identifying scalable interventions. Several ministers also praised the ASEAN-UK SAGE programme for prioritising those often left behind in education systems—out-of-school girls, children in remote areas, and students with disabilities.
The UK’s role as a Dialogue Partner with ASEAN, formalised in August 2021, is guided by a five-year ASEAN–UK Plan of Action (2022–2026). The education partnership, particularly under the SAGE programme, is the first flagship initiative under this framework, reflecting the UK’s strategic focus on education, gender equality, and inclusive development across Southeast Asia.
As part of the programme, UK support is also directed towards tackling gender barriers in digital skills and employment. The integration of education technology is a cross-cutting theme within the SAGE pillars, ensuring that learners in even the most underserved areas can benefit from digital tools and innovations.
Held under the umbrella of the Education World Forum, the world’s largest annual gathering of education and skills ministers, the roundtable drew attention to how global cooperation and targeted investments can deliver lasting educational transformation. With public and private actors aligned on goals and strategy, organisers expressed optimism that this renewed collaboration could generate measurable improvements in early learning across the region.
The UK’s backing of inclusive foundational learning initiatives not only advances gender equality and sustainable development but also aligns with broader global education goals under the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education).
By deepening its partnership with ASEAN and investing in evidence-based education programmes, the UK continues to position itself as a global leader in educational development—committed to ensuring that every child, regardless of gender or background, has the chance to learn, thrive, and shape a better future.
