KOICA and UNESCO Commit to Closer Cooperation in Nepal’s Education Sector

Kathmandu: The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) Nepal Office held a meeting with the UNESCO Representative to Nepal, Jaco du Toit, to strengthen mutual understanding and explore potential future collaboration within the education sector.

The KOICA delegation included Kong Mooheon, Country Director of the Nepal Office; Choi Choong-hee, Deputy Country Director; and Han Yubin, Coordinator, while UNESCO Representative Jaco du Toit was joined by U-jin Shim, Korea Multilateral Cooperation Officer (KMCO), who is currently serving with the UNESCO Nepal Office under the Korean government’s multilateral cooperation program.

During the meeting, both sides introduced flagship programs and current initiatives in Nepal’s education sector. KOICA shared updates on its ongoing and upcoming education-focused development projects, emphasizing inclusive and equitable quality education.

Moreover, UNESCO highlighted its strategic priorities in education, such as policy advocacy, capacity building, and support for Nepal’s national education plans, while also introducing its advisory and support services in education, natural science, world heritage, the creative industry, and digital transformation.

In particular, the discussion focused on Greening TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training), which addresses environmental issues, an important challenge in Nepal’s transition to a middle-income country, into account, as well as ways to apply related standards and guidelines in new projects.

Both KOICA and UNESCO expressed their commitment to strengthening ties and exploring synergies to maximize impact in Nepal’s education development.

The meeting concluded with an agreement to maintain ongoing communication and cooperation, with a shared focus on advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education.