The Global Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications Concerning Higher Education Enters into Force
Activities Japan Others
On March 5, 2023, the Global Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications concerning Higher Education (known as the "Global Convention") came into force.
The Global Convention was adopted by the 40th session of the UNESCO General Conference in November 2019 and is set to come into effect three months after the ratification of the 20th State. Japan became the 17th State Party in September 2022, and with Andorra's ratification on December 5 of the same year as the 20th State Party, the Convention entered into force on March 5, 2023.
As of March 20, 2023, the following 21 states have ratified the Convention, including Australia that has ratified after the conditions for entry into force has been met: Norway, Nicaragua, Estonia, France, Romania, Tunisia, Croatia, Holy See, Lithuania, Armenia, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Côte d'Ivoire, Cuba, Palestine, Sweden, Slovakia, Japan, Cabo Verde, Iceland, Andorra, and Australia (in chronological order of ratification).
Article XVIII. Entry into Force
1. This Convention shall enter into force three months after the date of deposit of the twentieth instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval, or accession, but only with regard to those State Parties which have deposited their respective instruments of ratification, acceptance, approval, or accession on or before that date.
2. This Convention shall enter into force with regard to any other State Party three months after the deposit of its instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval, or accession.
▶ Press release：「高等教育の資格の承認に関する世界規約」の発効 
（2023.3.6）[Links to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website]
▶ The Global Convention on Higher Education enters into force: A new era for students worldwide begins （2023.3.6）[Links to the UNESCO website]
・（2022.9.28）Japan Joins the Global Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications Concerning Higher Education
・ UNESCO's Conventions on the Recognition of Qualifications Concerning Higher Education
・ The Tokyo Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications in Higher Education and NIC Network of the Asia-Pacific Region (APNNIC)