Featured image caption: (from the left) Kasumi Ochi (UNESCO), Fereshteh R. Najafabadi (UNESCO), Achmad Husni Thamrin (SOI Asia), Engin Koncagul (UNESCO), Noriatsu Kudo (Keio University), Marcos S. Maekawa (APNIC Foundation), and Fitrie A. Nurritasari (UNESCO).
The SOI Asia delegation visited the UNESCO Jakarta office for what was initially planned as a brief exchange of updates. The meeting quickly evolved into a forward-looking discussion on potential areas of collaboration across Open Science, digital credentials, and inclusive knowledge systems.
Open Science emerged as a central theme, with shared recognition of the need to strengthen capacity, transparency, and regional participation in research practices across the Asia Pacific. The discussion highlighted opportunities to connect technical communities, academic institutions, and policy frameworks in more integrated ways.
Particular interest was expressed in SOI Asia’s experience with digital micro-credentials through Inxignia, especially as UNESCO continues exploring accessible, online learning and recognition mechanisms. The Evidence-Based Approach (EBA) initiatives were also discussed as complementary pathways for structured collaboration and knowledge exchange.
While the visit began as a routine update, it concluded with clear enthusiasm for deepening engagement and identifying concrete next steps.
The conversation reaffirmed the value of sustained dialogue between technical education networks and international organizations working at the intersection of science, culture, and inclusive digital development.