APNNIC is a network of national information centers (NICs) established under the Asia-Pacific Regional Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications in Higher Education (known as the Tokyo Convention) to uphold and assist the practical implementation of the Convention, and it shall meet annually in plenary session. (Article 9.3)

In previous years, the APNNIC Plenary was held in conjunction with the Tokyo Convention Committee, but since the Tokyo Convention Committee is now held every two years, the APNNIC Plenary was held independently for the first time.

Approximately 90 participants from about 30 countries attended the meeting, including delegates of the state parties to the Tokyo Convention and Regional Convention on the Recognition of Studies, Diplomas and Degrees in Higher Education in Asia and the Pacific (known as the Bangkok Convention), the predecessor of the Tokyo Convention, non-state parties as observers, and representatives of international organizations such as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). From our organization, Professor MORI Rie (Executive Director of NIC-Japan), and administrative staff of NIC-Japan participated in the meetings as APNNIC member.

At the plenary, Professor Mori gave a presentation on the role of NIC-Japan considering the current status of credential evaluation at Japanese higher education institutions, and Professor INOUE Masahiro of Keio University shared the initiatives on micro-credentials in Japan and proposed his reference framework for micro-credentials. In addition, various informative sessions were held, including a session on the trends in fraudulent qualification documents and a session on the recognition of qualifications held by refugees. Participants asked questions and raised issues, and a lively exchange of information took place.

Some of the countries that have not yet ratified the Tokyo Convention also participated in the meeting as non-voting APNNIC members. Among them, some countries shared that they are working toward the ratification of the Tokyo Convention and the Global Convention.