Commonwealth ministers urged to harness digital tools for accelerated, inclusive education

Education ministers and senior officials are converging in London for the 22nd Conference of Commonwealth Education Ministers (22CCEM) meeting from May 16 to 17, 2024.

The conference, which is taking place at Commonwealth Secretariat’s headquarters, Marlborough House will see government ministers and senior officials exchange ideas about tackling uncertainties in education financing, explore partnerships, and discuss commitments and reforms.

High on the agenda will be discussions on ways to empower 2.6 billion Commonwealth citizens through inclusive and equitable learning opportunities designed for all skill levels and life stages.

They will also assess the current state of the education sector while creating a roadmap for accelerated progress towards Sustainable Development Goal4 as well as deliberate on the strategic actions required to address education inequity, especially for young people, women, people with disabilities and those living in poverty.

Commonwealth Secretary General Patricia Scotland has urged ministers to eliminate the barriers that impede access to education and encourage life longlearning in line with this year’s theme, ‘Driving Resilience, Equity, and Skills for an Inclusive Future’.

“The sheer scale of what can be accomplished if we harness technology has changed the game for policymakers, educators and learners. For us to meaningfully empower Commonwealth citizens, in an increasingly digital world, it requires us to be bold in our actions and ambitions,” said Scotland.

“We need to rethink education to support youth employability and empowerment if we are to deliver on promises made to 1.6 billion young people of theCommonwealth.We should also recognise that education does not end with young people. We share a responsibility to create and promote opportunities for lifelong learning,” she added.

The 22CCEM meeting, which will be chaired by Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu also resonates with the focus of the 2024 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa.

Nobel Peace Laureate Kailash Satyarthi is expected address the event and engage with delegates as well as speakers from UNESCO, the World Bank, the Commonwealth of Learning, the Association of Commonwealth Universities and regional bodies.

During the meeting, the Secretary-General of the Association of Commonwealth Universities,Prof Colin Riordan will also update the delegates on the various initiatives and work programmes the Commonwealth Secretariat implements to support member countries.