The Global Learning Conference (GLC) 2026 Africa Edition officially opened at the Kigali Convention Centre on Thursday evening, February 19, 2026. under the theme “Reimagining Education and Learning for a Changing World.”
The Conference has brought together more than 200 participants from 25 countries including global leaders, policymakers, and educators to address the urgent need to reimagine education in the world is changing very fast because of new technology and climate changes.
The conference is co-hosted by Rwanda’s Ministry of Education alongside its global co-founders: the Global Learning Council, the Villars Institute, and UNITAR. While opening the event, the Minister of State for Education, Hon. Claudette Irere, Emphasized call for bold and practical action to transform education systems to be more resilient and future-ready.
Minister of State Hon. Claudette Irere emphasized that Africa’s unique demographic profile makes this transformation a necessity rather than a choice. She noted that with over 60% of the continent’s population under the age of 25, the focus must shift from providing school access to ensuring the education provided is of high quality and relevance.
“Africa is home to the youngest population in the world, with over 60 percent under the age of 25. This is not just a statistic; it is a strategic imperative. It drives us to move beyond expanding access and focus decisively on quality, relevance and resilience across the learning journey from foundational education to TVET, higher education, and lifelong learning. The core question before us is not whether change is needed; it is how we co-design practical, scalable and locally grounded solutions that deliver measurable impact.” She said
The Minister further stressed that in an era of technological disruption caused by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and changing job markets, education must become proactive.
“Education systems must not only respond to change; they must anticipate it. May this Global Learning Conference 2026 mark not just a moment of dialogue, but a turning point toward coordinated and lasting impact.” She said
The two-day program features intensive sessions on AI fluency for educators, rethinking career pathways, and strengthening technical and vocational training (TVET). Key partners such as Prof. Subra Suresh of the Global Learning Council, Ms. Michelle Gyles-McDonnough of UNITAR, and Prof. Lee Howell of the Villars Institute were recognized for their roles in facilitating these “courageous conversations” at the intersection of technology and planetary health.
The conference aims to produce clear priority pathways and measurable commitments to improve learning outcomes across Africa and beyond. By aligning skills development with actual labor market needs, the summit seeks to ensure that the next generation is not just educated, but equipped to lead in the modern economy.
