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Transforming STEM in Africa: UNESCO and African Union Commission host groundbreaking continental conference
Held from 26 to 28 November 2024 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the conference aimed to forge a continent-wide strategic partnership to build a transformative STEM ecosystem. The event brought together leading experts, educators, policymakers, and innovators to address challenges, share best practices and set a new course for STEM advancement across the continent.
The high-level plenary session on November 28th commenced with inspiring opening remarks from Mr. Firmin Edouard Matoko, the Assistant Director-General/PAX, who outlined the strategic engagement of UNESCO with Africa through the Operational Strategy for Priority Africa 2022–2029.
Mr. Antonio Pedro, Deputy Executive Secretary for the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), emphasized the need to overcome institutional barriers by fostering innovation hubs that bring together academia, industry, and government. He stressed the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and knowledge sharing to promote innovation. H.E. Professor Mohammed Belhocine, Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation, described STEM education as “not merely an academic endeavour but a catalytic force for sustainable development.”
The high-level plenary session featured two key dialogues. The first ministerial dialogue, "Accelerating Africa's STEM Transformation," convened ministers to discuss the future of Africa's STEM ecosystem and the strategies required to realize this vision within the next decade. Ministers engaged in robust discussions cantered on the key points outlined in the conference’s communique, exploring policy and strategic actions to drive STEM advancements.
The second dialogue, "Leveraging Partnerships to Transform STEM in Africa," brought together development partners to deliberate on how contributions can be made to the specific actions detailed in the Addis Ababa Communiqué. This dialogue focused on mobilizing resources, sharing expertise, and fostering collaborations to propel STEM transformation across the continent.
The STEM Experience Hub: A Hands-On Innovation Space
The STEM Experience Hub, a unique space designed to showcase cutting-edge STEM technologies and provide opportunities for hands-on learning, was a standout innovation of the conference. The hub attracted over 500 students, educators, and teachers, offering an array of interactive and engaging experiences across several specialized zones.
The Technology Zone featured cutting-edge innovations, including AI, 3D printing, robotics, and coding, providing participants with hands-on exposure to transformative technologies. In the STEM Thematic Exhibits Zone, attendees explored projects and initiatives addressing critical global challenges such as climate change and renewable energy, emphasizing STEM's role in tackling pressing issues. The Laboratory Zone brought science and engineering to life with interactive experiments and demonstrations, offering a practical glimpse into STEM principles. The STEM Educational Resources Zone showcased materials and tools designed to enhance STEM learning and inspire future innovators. Meanwhile, the STEM Lounge provided a collaborative space for networking, discussions on career pathways, and opportunities to foster partnerships within the STEM community.
Voices of Leadership at the Hub
During the official opening of the hub, H.E. Mrs. Ayelech Eshete, Ethiopia's State Minister of General Education, highlighted STEM's transformative potential, emphasizing its role in unlocking youth potential and driving economic growth. Professor Saidu Madougou, Director of Education, Science, and Technology at the African Union, stressed the importance of homegrown solutions to address Africa's challenges. Dr. Rita Bissonauth, Director of UNESCO's Liaison Office, hailed the STEM Experience Hub, describing it as “a universe of possibilities, where the spark of curiosity ignites, dreams take flight, and Africa's future can be shaped. This hub inspires the next generation, empowers teachers, fosters innovation, and builds partnerships.”
The conference featured four comprehensive thematic tracks designed to delve deeper into the critical challenges and opportunities facing STEM education and innovation in Africa. These tracks served as platforms for in-depth discussions, knowledge sharing, and the development of actionable solutions. They addressed key areas such as strengthening the foundations of STEM education, advancing gender equality and inclusion, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, and promoting STEM financing and partnerships. High-level ministers and experts participated in these tracks, sharing their insights and generating key recommendations for transforming STEM education and innovation in Africa.
Commitments in the Addis Ababa Communiqué
The conference reaffirmed education as an inalienable human right and a public good, emphasizing the duty of governments to ensure inclusive, equitable, and quality education for all. Recognizing the transformative potential of STEM, the Addis Ababa Communiqué on Transforming STEM in Africa outlines key commitments to achieve this vision.
The Communiqué emphasized expanding early exposure to STEM, reforming curricula, developing teacher capacities, and ensuring equitable access to quality resources. It prioritized transforming learning environments to inspire creativity and innovation while advancing gender equality in STEM by addressing stereotypes, promoting workplace inclusion, fostering partnerships, and using data to inform policies. The document also highlighted the importance of fostering STEM innovation and entrepreneurship through capacity building, enhancing industry-academia collaboration, and increasing investment in research and development.
A Unified Vision for Africa’s STEM Future
This unified effort underscores STEM as a cornerstone for Africa's future, driving innovation, equity, and sustainable growth across the continent. Once an action plan is developed and resources are mobilized, a large-scale, country-level implementation is envisioned to transform STEM education and research. This conference marks a crucial first step in this long-term journey.
This Continental Conference on Transforming STEM in Africa was made possible through the generous financial and technical support of multiple partners. UNESCO extends its deepest gratitude to all who contributed to and participated in this groundbreaking event.
