Day: October 5, 2021

The growing number and share of older persons in Asia and the Pacific represent success stories of declining fertility and increasing longevity; the result of advances in social and economic development. This demographic transition is taking place against the backdrop of the accelerating Fourth Industrial Revolution. But COVID-19, with its epicentre now in Asia and the Pacific, has exacerbated the suffering of older persons in vulnerable situations and demonstrated the fragility of this progress.

Asia and the Pacific is home to the largest number of older persons in the world – and rapidly ageing. When the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development was adopted in 2015, 8 per cent of the region’s total population was 65 years or older. By 2030, when the Agenda comes to an end, it is projected that 12 per cent of the total population – one in eight people – will comprise older persons. Fifty-four per cent of all older persons in the region will be women, and their share will increase with age.

Asia and the Pacific has made much progress in connecting the region through information and communication technologies (ICTs). At the same time, it is still the most digitally divided region in the world. Approximately half of its population lacks Internet access. Women and older persons – especially older women – are the least likely to be digitally connected.

COVID-19 has demonstrated how technologies can help fight the spread of the virus, sustain daily life, support business continuity and keep people socially connected. It has also shown that those who are excluded from the digital transformation, including older persons, are at increased risk of being permanently left behind. Digital equity for all ages is, therefore, more important than ever.

The next few years provide an opportunity for Asia and the Pacific to build on its successes with regard to population ageing and rapid digital transformation, learn from the tragic consequences of the pandemic, and promote and strengthen the inclusion of older persons in the digital world. The 2022 Fourth Review and Appraisal of the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing and the further elaboration of the Asia-Pacific Information Superhighway will allow countries to develop policies and action plans to achieve digital equity for all ages.

Among those policies, it is particularly important to promote digital literacy and narrow digital skills gaps of older persons through tailored peer-to-peer or intergenerational training programmes. In the fast-changing digital environment, developing, strengthening and maintaining digital literacy requires a life-course approach.

Moreover, providing accessible, affordable and reliable Internet connectivity for persons of all ages must be a priority. Expanding digital infrastructure, geographical coverage and digital inclusion of older persons through targeted policies and programmes will improve access, enable greater social participation, empower older persons, and enhance their ability to live independently.

As highlighted in the Madrid Plan of Action, technology can reduce health risks and promote cost-efficient access to health care for older persons, for instance, through telemedicine or robotic surgery. Assistive technology devices and solutions can support more and safer mobility for older persons, especially those with disabilities or living alone. Social media platforms can promote social interaction and reduce social isolation and loneliness.

The ESCAP Guidebook on using Information Communication Technologies to address the health-care needs of older personshas documented good practices from around the region. It also includes policy recommendations and a checklist for policymakers to mainstream ICTs in policies affecting older persons.

While older persons are among the least digitally connected population groups, they are among the most vulnerable to cyberthreats. It is, therefore, critical to establish adequate safety measures, raise awareness, and teach older users to be cautious online.

As we commemorate the United Nations International Day of Older Persons 2021, let us remind ourselves that the risks and vulnerabilities experienced by older persons during the pandemic are not new. Many older persons in the region lack social protection such as access to universal health care and pensions.

The COVID-19 recovery is an opportunity to set the stage for a more inclusive, equitable and age-friendly society, anchored in human rights and guided by the promise of the 2030 Agenda to leave no one behind. Digital equity for all ages, highlighted in the 2030 Agenda, goes beyond national interests. Greater digital cooperation by governments and stakeholders is instrumental for both inclusive and sustainable development and building back better. At the regional and subregional levels, digital cooperation can be fruitfully leveraged to build consensus and share good practices, lessons learned, and policy recommendations. These, in turn, can supplement national level policy and decision-making for the benefit of all age groups.

Source: Lao News Agency

The Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES) today officially launched the country’s first national digital teaching and learning platform Khang Panya Lao, which has been developed with the support of UNICEF and in collaboration with the European Union (EU) and the Global Partnership for Education (GPE).

The platform has been developed to facilitate distance learning for students and teachers to ensure the continuity of learning during the COVID-19 pandemic and other emergencies. It is also designed as a supplementary teaching resource for use in face-to-face classes. The platform can be accessed online either via the web or as an app for Android devices, which enable users to access content without internet connection.

The virtual launch event was chaired by Minister of Education and Sports Phouth Simmalavong. In attendance were also European Union Ambassador to the Lao PDR Ina Marciulionyte, UNICEF Representative in Lao PDR Pia Rebello Britto, Global Director of Education for UNICEF Rob Jenkins, Regional General Manager of Education for Microsoft Asia Larry Nelson, as well as representatives from provincial education offices and development partners.

“I would like to thank the EU, GPE and UNICEF for their support in developing Khang Panya Lao. With a wide selection of teaching and learning materials, the platform will be an invaluable resource for both students and teachers,” said Minister Phouth Simmalavong.

Khang Panya Lao includes digitalized official curriculum textbooks for Grades 1-12 and pre-primary curriculum materials, as well as resources on COVID-19 and online safety practices. It also contains various other learning materials developed by partners, including Aide et Action, Australia-DFAT and BEQUAL, ChildFund, Humanity & Inclusion, JICA, Room to Read, Save the Children, UNESCO, UNFPA, USAID, WFP and the World Bank.

In addition, Khang Panya Lao contains international learning resources on topics such as science, technology, engineering and mathematics, which are available in both Lao and English languages. New content is continuously being added, with the platform now having over 23 different learning categories and over 4,400 different lessons.

“The EU, alongside our partners, is proud to support MoES and its digital teaching and learning platform, Khang Panya Lao. Although the platform has been developed in part to facilitate distance learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, we hope that it will also prove useful beyond, during other emergencies, helping students to continue their learning which is of vital importance,” stated Ms. Ina Marciulionyte.

“Children’s education has been disrupted on an unprecedented scale by the pandemic and the Lao PDR is no exception. The introduction of Khang Panya Lao marks an important milestone in safeguarding children’s education during this challenging time. We are delighted that students, teachers as well parents and caregivers have now access to this great tool full of resources,” highlighted Alice P. Albright, Chief Executive Officer of GPE

Khang Panya Lao also contains curriculum-based teaching materials and resources to promote the professional development of teachers, ranging from teacher guides to online courses. Trainings for teachers on how to use the platform for blended learning and in-classroom teaching have already been conducted in Vientiane as well as in Vientiane (province) and Xieng Khuang, with more upcoming trainings in other provinces. Furthermore, UNICEF, GPE and the EU will support MoES with provision of tablets and other IT equipment to schools in the Lao PDR.

“Khang Panya Lao represents our efforts to leverage the COVID-19 recovery process and transform the education system adapting it to the new-normal and actually going beyond – to rebound and reimagine how education can work for children. It will help expand learning for Lao students beyond the walls of the classroom and promote digital literacy among Lao students and teachers,” said Dr. Pia Rebello Britto.

Khang Panya Lao is modeled after the Learning Passport, an education platform created by UNICEF and powered by Microsoft. Khang Panya Lao can also be paired with other internet-based programmes that allow for real-time connection and interaction, such as Microsoft Teams and Zoom among others.

“We are proud to have been contribute the platform that enables blended learning and can help students and teachers work together online and offline whether on a PC, tablet or phone. Adjusting to this transition despite the COVID-19 pandemic is a testament to the commitment, resilience and energy of teachers in the country and wanting to meet the needs of their students whether in or out school,” explained Larry Nelson, Regional General Manager of Education for Microsoft Asia.

The platform has been tested for use in the LaoPDR since late April 2021 and have so far over 30,000 registered users, with one user possibly having 2-3 children accessing the platform.

Source: Lao News Agency