Articles focusing on UNESCO's role in educational development in Asian and Pacific countries are gathered in this issue commemorating UNESCO's 40th anniversary and the 25th anniversary of the Regional Office for Education in Asia and the Pacific. Following an overview of educational needs and achievements, current activities of four UNESCO offices for Asia and the Pacific are summarized: Regional Office for Education, Regional Advisor for Culture, Regional Advisor for the Social and Human Sciences, and Office of Public Information. Background of UNESCO involvement in regional educational development is emphasized in articles on population education, universal primary education, eradication of illiteracy, higher education, teacher education, cultural activities, and educational management. Educational reforms in individual countries are subjects of 16 articles; countries discussed include India, Japan, Malaysia, Pakistan, Australia, People's Republic of China, Republic of Korea, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and the Pacific Islands. Article topics include upgrading science education in developing countries, instituting a sustainable literacy program, technological manpower development, cultural preservation, and education for the future, in addition to descriptions of national education reforms. Many articles are accompanied by figures, tables, black and white photographs and short bibliographies; author information is provided. (LFL)