Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh has urged African nations to reclaim their future through education, kicking off the 41st African Education Summit at the Skylight International Hotel today. The summit aims to foster collaboration, research, and innovative solutions to transform education globally.
"All sectors are based on education. This summit is where we will shape the future of our children," DPM Temesgen declared in his opening address.
He emphasised the importance of drawing inspiration from Africa's rich past while conducting thorough research to build a sustainable future rooted in its unique heritage.
He posed a crucial question: "What is the future of our children?" expressing confidence that the summit will serve as a vital platform for exchanging experiences, generating research ideas, and jointly addressing critical challenges.
Minister of Education, Professor Berhanu Nega, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the urgent need for fundamental and sustainable change to propel Africa forward. "At a time when the world is rapidly changing, Africa must carefully work on its future," he stated, underscoring the importance of strategic planning and adaptation in the face of constant global developments.
Professor Berhanu also showcased Ethiopia's progress in recent years. He pointed to significant strides in the agricultural sector, infrastructure development, and expanding access to education.
Furthermore, he emphasised the government's commitment to ensuring equal access to quality education across all regions of Ethiopia, bridging the gap between urban and rural areas.
He believes these efforts represent a crucial step toward empowering the next generation and fostering sustainable development.
The summit agenda includes a series of workshops, panel discussions, and presentations focused on various critical topics. These include leveraging technology to enhance learning outcomes, promoting inclusive education practices, developing curricula that are relevant to the needs of the African workforce, and strengthening partnerships between educational institutions and the private sector. Participants will also explore strategies for improving teacher training and professional development.
The summit has attracted educators, policymakers, researchers, and civil society representatives from across the continent and beyond, creating a vibrant forum for exchanging ideas and forging collaborative partnerships.
Organizers anticipate that the discussions and outcomes of the summit will contribute significantly to shaping educational policies and practices across Africa, ultimately driving positive change and empowering future generations.
The ongoing summit is expected to conclude with a series of concrete recommendations and action plans that will guide future efforts to transform education in Africa.
