The Fourth Policy Dialogue on Higher Education

The 4th Policy Dialogue on Higher Education: Advancing Innovation and Skills for a Sustainable Blue Economy will be held in Manila in collaboration with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). Building on earlier commitments, the dialogue will explore how higher education and TVET systems can equip the blue economy with the skills, research, and innovation needed to ensure sustainability, inclusivity, and planetary health.

The Philippines plays a key role in advancing higher education frameworks and mobility schemes. Alongside Indonesia, it played a pivotal role in developing the ASEAN Blue Economy Framework (2023), which guides ASEAN’s blue economy initiatives, encourages regional integration, and strengthens member states’ capacity to maximise the sustainable use of aquatic resources.

The 4th Policy Dialogue will highlight the role of higher education and TVET institutions in driving innovation, strengthening industry partnerships, and developing a future-ready workforce across blue economy sectors. Outcomes from the Policy Dialogue will inform a Manila Policy Brief, providing actionable recommendations to strengthen education–industry linkages, support regional integration, and advance a sustainable blue economy in ASEAN.

Objectives

The 4th Policy Dialogue aims to advance regional and cross-regional mobility and cooperation in higher education, TVET, and research. Drawing on both EU and ASEAN experiences, the dialogue is designed to inspire new partnerships, expand existing ones, promote mutual understanding, and provide recommendations for deepening people-to-people connectivity.

The sessions of the policy dialogue will follow a three-sequence structure with the following key objectives:

1. Presenting the Current State of Play – Europe and Southeast Asia: Shared Blue Economy Priorities and Higher Education Linkages
2. Insights and Trends – Enhancing Higher Education Partnerships Advancing the Development of Blue and Green Talent
3. Collaboration and Aligning Action – Enhancing Cooperation and Mobility through Higher Education and Innovation.

Participants will include:

• Representatives from the departments of higher education and TVET of all ASEAN member states.
• Representatives of EU Delegations and EU member states.
• Representatives of higher education institutions.
• Representatives of TVET institutions and polytechnics.
• Private sector stakeholders engaged in education and workforce development.
• Youth representatives.