| By Kipkemboi Toroitich |
| Education ministers at the 21st Conference of Commonwealth Education Ministers (CCEM) in Nairobi resolved to increase investment in education and skills at all ages, with particular focus on ensuring foundational skills for all. With Kenya hosting the Conference, Ministers also recognized the urgent issues raised in the Kenyatta Call to Action on Education Finance in 2021, agreeing to look for suitable opportunities to implement the proposals contained in the document. In a joint statement after the conclusion of the 2-day conference, the ministers welcomed initiatives that support capacity building of their respective ministries on financing of education. The two-day conference accorded ministers, policymakers, civil society, and development partners the opportunity to share knowledge and good practice, and explore trends and innovative approaches that can be adapted to develop sustainable and resilient education systems. With regard to charting the way forward in the recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic, ministers committed to build resilient education systems that can withstand future threats and disruptions and sought to improve access to digital connectivity and skills to support teaching and learning. They resolved to bounce back better and with resilience for fair and inclusive economic recovery, as well as attain a sustainable future in the Commonwealth. “Over the last two days, we have discussed important issues such as financing education, Covid-19 mitigation and recovery strategies. I gladly received your ministerial statement and look forward to working with Kenya to implement these new ideas and recommendations for the next three years,” said the Commonwealth Secretary-General The Rt. Hon Patricia Scotland QC in her closing remarks. She said it was their responsibility to build, reinforce, and sustain partnerships to deliver the set targets and reach the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Officially closing the conference, the new Chair of the Education Ministers Action Group (EMAG) and Kenya’s education Cabinet Secretary (CS) Prof. George Magoha praised the conference as a platform for members to review progress, build synergies and forge a common way forward towards improving education. “It is my earnest hope that our discussions in the last two days and the direction provided in our Declaration will create a momentum towards the achievement of the Education 2030 commitments,” he remarked. The Commonwealth Secretariat also launched an exciting children’s book series on sustainable energy and the global transformation of energy systems. The series presents the concepts of sustainable and inclusive energy in an interactive format for young readers aged between 7 and12 years. Through it they are mentored to discover how they can be part of the global energy revolution. These books are among publications, toolkits, manuals and other educational resources that the Secretariat provides free of charge to member states. The six finalists of the 2022 Commonwealth Education Awards were also revealed at a virtual ceremony. The awards recognize and celebrate promising and innovative programmes, projects, and people who have made a positive impact on the education sector across the Commonwealth. Over 200 delegates from 40 Commonwealth countries, and over 200 participants from Kenya, attended the conference, with the virtual route also available to guests. The next CCEM will take place in in 2025. |
Commonwealth education conference closes with vow to increase investment in education
