Higher education in Asian countries and the role of international ...

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adopted different strategies and initiatives to support reforms and to assist in capacity
development of member states to face the challenges and changing needs.
In Asia and the Pacific region the outcomes of UNESCO initiatives are evident from the positive
change in terms of expansion, extension and growth of higher education but it is very hard prove
scientifically the role or share of any particular actor as all factors contributing to higher
education are interlinked and intermingled in such a way that it is impossible to see the impact of
UNESCO initiatives in the isolation. But at the same time there are clear empirical evidences,
which help to explain and to understand the role of UNESCO.
5.1.2.12 UNESCO and Asia Pacific region
Asia Pacific region is known as the cradle of important civilizations and home of many religions
i.e. Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism. Countries in Asia-Pacific region differ greatly in population
size, volume of economy, social characteristics and ethnic group. Extreme poor and high rich
countries are located in this region, which shows immense economic disparity. This fissure can
be seen within countries also. Asia Pacific region is the largest of the UNESCO regions in terms
of both in area and population.
To facilitate and to meet the UNESCO objectives in diverse background Asia-Pacific region is
further divided into clusters, regions and national entities. In this regard the Bureau of Field
Coordination is responsible for ensuring the smooth implementation, functioning and
performance of field network and provides a clear, single line of management.
Classification of UNESCO field offices by type and region
UNESCO Offices Africa
Arab
States
Asia and
Pacific
Europe
and North
America
Latin
America
Regional
Bureau
2 2 2 1 3
Cluster offices 10 4 7 1 5
National offices 5 4 7 0 6
Liaison offices 0 0 0 3 0
Total
Source: UNESCO 2011
17 10 16 5 14
Table 10 Classification of UNESCO field offices by type and region