10th Education International Asia-Pacific Regional Conference opens with call for solidarity, collective power
Guided by the central theme, "Organising for power: education unions shaping the future of education in the Asia-Pacific Region", the 10th Education International Asia-Pacific (EIAP) Regional Conference centered on the imperative for unions to ensure active member engagement, democratic participation, and collective strength to secure robust public education systems and lasting systemic change.
Vibrant cultural performances set an energetic tone as education unionists gathered in Jakarta, Indonesia, for the conference from October 13 to 15.
Opening remarks from EI and EIAP leadership, partner organisations, and Indonesian government officials welcomed education unionists from across the region to a pivotal gathering focused on teacher solidarity, industrial rights, and the future of education.
In his keynote address, Education International General Secretary David Edwards reminded attendees of their dual, inseparable identity as both trade unionists and dedicated educators:
"We are workers. But we are also educators. We teach to know, to do, to be, and to live together at a difficult moment under far from optimal conditions."
Building on the momentum of the opening session, EI Asia-Pacific Regional Director Anand Singh presented a comprehensive regional report.
The report broke down the complex and shifting landscape of challenges confronting educators and their unions throughout the region.
He issued a powerful call for delegates to champion meaningful growth, uplift emerging voices, and strengthen their shared mission to secure quality education for every child.
He underscored that true, lasting systemic change is only possible when educators are organised and actively exercising collective power:
"Progress is not given. It is organised. Rights are never delivered by courier. Almost every time, they are a result of collective action."
The Regional Report was then enthusiastically adopted by the member unions, setting a powerful, united tone for rest of the conference.
You can follow along and join the conversation on social media using #EIAP2026.
