New partnership: GPE KIX and SEAMEO to strengthen education policy

The Global Partnership for Education’s Knowledge and Innovation Exchange (GPE KIX) and the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO) recently signed a memorandum of understanding at the Centre Policy Research Network (CPRN) Summit 2026 in Jakarta, Indonesia, for closer collaboration to shape education policy based on evidence.

The agreement establishes a collaborative framework to strengthen knowledge exchange, research collaboration, as well as evidence-based policy and practice across Southeast Asia. The partnership recognizes GPE KIX as a key connector between education research and policy-making. It also leverages SEAMEO's extensive regional network to support the uptake and application of evidence in education systems.  

"We are excited to formally recognize this regional partnership and advance our shared objectives across Southeast Asia. The partnership reaffirms our commitment to collaborating on evidence uptake initiatives, developing joint research agendas, and generating and disseminating demand-driven evidence that strengthens education systems and informs policy and practice," said Sangay Jamtsho, senior program officer, IDRC. 

The new partnership reflects a shared commitment to ensuring that research informs policy and practice. Discussions throughout the summit repeatedly highlighted the importance of translating evidence into action. In meetings with GPE KIX representatives, SEAMEO leaders expressed particular interest in working together to strengthen pathways from evidence to policy. 

Through this new collaboration, GPE KIX and SEAMEO will work together to strengthen evidence use and support countries in addressing critical education priorities, helping ensure that research leads to meaningful and lasting change across the region. 

The Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO) Centre Policy Research Network (CPRN) Summit 2026, held from 9 to 11 June in Jakarta, Indonesia, brought together researchers, policy-makers, practitioners and development partners to discuss how evidence can drive more inclusive, equitable and sustainable education systems.  

Under the theme “Bridging Research, Policy, and Practice: Pathways toward Inclusive, Equitable, and Sustainable Futures,” the annual conference served as a platform for advancing cross-sector collaboration and identifying practical solutions to regional education challenges. Hosted by SEAMEO’s Centre for Early Childhood Care Education and Parenting (CECCEP), the summit included participants from SEAMEO's 11 member countries, seven of which are GPE partner countries: Cambodia, Indonesia, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Myanmar, the Philippines, Timor-Leste and Viet Nam.