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Many countries in Asia-Pacific face similar challenges in terms of skills development: ensuring training matches labour market needs; finding effective means to recognize individuals’ skills; ensuring that the costs of training are not unfairly distributed; and ensuring that there is fair and equitable access to training and skill development so that the overall level of productivity in the country is improved, along with the employability of workers. Equally, across the region there is a wealth of examples of how different countries have addressed these challenges over time and in response to changing circumstances. Effective means of understanding, documenting and sharing these experiences can help ensure that decision makers and implementers minimize risk and maximize the value of investments which are inevitably limited.
In this context, the reform and revitalization of the ILO Regional Skills Network in Asia and the Pacific will be the first step in assisting countries in the region to access information and share expertise and knowledge through networking, technical cooperation and joint programmes. To start this process, the First Planning Meeting of Lead Institutions in the Regional Skills Network, was held in Bangkok in August 2005. This meeting brought together leading training institutions from a core group of countries, including those institutions operated by workers and employers organizations, to discuss the development of an effective skills network. The meeting examined some of the key issues and challenges for skills development in the region, and discussed the experience gained and lessons learnt on networking and technical cooperation. The meeting also agreed upon the key elements of a draft Cooperation Framework for the Network.
The planning meeting was followed by the First Technical Meeting of the Regional Skills Network Partner Institutions, in November 2005, hosted by Korea to launch the new Regional Skills and Employability Programme (SKILLS-AP) and the new Network. The meeting involved, for the first time, national skills development partner institutions in all ILO member States in the region, including those institutions operated by workers and employers organizations, to discuss skills development issues. The meeting examined and agreed upon the key issues and challenges for skills development across the region, and discussed the ways and means of sharing knowledge and experience among ILO constituents in the region to optimise human resources development processes and promote decent work. The meeting also reached a tripartite Common Understanding on the role and work of SKILLS-AP and the Regional Skills Network as a common platform for better cooperation and services to member States on skills issues.
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