IGAD’s 4th Ministerial Conference Set to Convene in Entebbe

Summary:

• IGAD’s 4th Conference of Ministers in Charge of Education, themed “Towards Quality and Inclusive Education for All,” is set to convene in Entebbe, Uganda. The conference aims to endorse the IGAD Regional Qualifications Framework, review past achievements, and address educational challenges faced by vulnerable populations in the region.

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KAMPALA, (Examiner) – The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) is gearing up for its highly anticipated 4th Conference of Ministers in Charge of Education, set to take place in Entebbe, Uganda, from May 27th to May 30th, 2024. Themed “Towards Quality and Inclusive Education for All,” this significant gathering is poised to ratify the IGAD Regional Qualifications Framework, marking a pivotal step towards enhancing educational standards across the region.

The conference will serve as a platform to reflect on the achievements made since the previous ministerial meeting held in March 2022, while also confronting the educational hurdles confronting refugees, returnees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and host communities within the IGAD domain.

Collaborating with esteemed partners such as GIZ, UNHCR, UNESCO, UNICEF, ECW, and the European Union, IGAD remains steadfast in its mission to implement robust strategies in education, science, technology, and innovation, all in alignment with Agenda 2063 and Sustainable Development Goal 4. By championing access to quality education for vulnerable populations, IGAD is making tangible strides towards fostering inclusive growth and development across the region.

Drawing inspiration from past endeavors like the Djibouti Declaration and Plan of Action, the conference will meticulously assess the progress made in executing the Djibouti Declaration and the Addis Ababa Call for Action. Furthermore, it will chart a course for implementing educational initiatives, resonating with 2024 being designated as the African Year of Education under the overarching theme “Educate Africa Fit for the 21st Century,” with a keen focus on addressing the educational exigencies, particularly in conflict-stricken areas.

The conference is poised to facilitate robust engagement and dialogue amongst member states’ education ministries, refugee agencies, and partner organizations, thereby bolstering regional cooperation in the realm of education. Through collaborative endeavors, IGAD endeavors to foster an environment conducive to the holistic advancement of education, thereby fortifying the socio-economic fabric of the region.

IGAD’s unwavering commitment to bolstering member states’ educational infrastructure and equitably disseminating learning opportunities, especially to those grappling with displacement and crises, underscores its pivotal role in steering Africa towards a brighter, more prosperous future. As the 4th Conference of Ministers in Charge of Education beckons, the collective resolve to forge ahead towards a future replete with educational equity and excellence has never been more palpable.

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