ECA expresses commitment to work with AU to realize education system fit for 21st century
Addis Ababa, February 14, 2024 (FBC) – Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), Claver Gatete said ECA remains committed to working together with the Africa Union to realize an education system fit for the 21st century.
Speaking at the 44th opening of the Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of AU today, ECA Executive Secretary Claver Gatete emphasized the need to build resilient education systems in Africa.
He highlighted the importance of education as a fundamental human right and a key driver of socio-economic development.
Under the theme “Educate an African fit for the 21st Century: Building resilient education systems for increased access to inclusive, lifelong, quality, and relevant learning in Africa,” Gatete stressed the urgency of transforming education to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world.
Gatete acknowledged that despite progress, significant barriers to education in Africa remain. Issues such as limited access, unequal opportunities, and inadequate quality pose challenges to achieving inclusive and lifelong learning.
He noted that by 2030, nearly half of the global youth population will be African, highlighting the need to equip them with the necessary skills to participate fully in the evolving workforce.
The COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing crises have accelerated the adoption of technology and reshaped the global landscape. Gatete emphasized the importance of aligning education systems with these changes, particularly in areas such as science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), and technical and vocational education and training (TVET).
He highlighted the potential of these fields to drive economic growth, competitiveness, and innovation.
To achieve a workforce for the future, Gatete called for increased investments in education, focusing on areas that enhance productive capabilities and global competitiveness.
He emphasized the need for a digital transformation of education systems, citing Africa’s low share of global innovation and limited expenditure on research and development.
Gatete underscored the role of education in sustainable industrialization, economic diversification, and job creation.
ECA Chief emphasized that innovation would be the foundation for achieving these goals. calling for strategic investments in infrastructure, resources, and curriculum development to leverage Africa’s natural and human capital, particularly in sectors such as agribusiness, manufacturing, and global health.
Gatete also stressed the urgency of addressing the digital gender divide and making education a top priority, ENA reported.
“Education is a basic human right and a key enabler for achieving our collective socio-economic development objectives. When we fail to provide accessible and inclusive education, we deny people this right. This Summit marks a pivotal moment in our commitment to transform our education system to one that is ‘fit for purpose’ in today’s world.”
He expressed the commitment of the United Nations and the ECA to collaborate with the African Union in realizing a 21st-century education system that prepares African youth for the future.