Rwanda highlights education and skills development at UNESCO’s 43rd General Conference

Rwanda used its platform at the 43rd Session of the UNESCO General Conference, being held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, to spotlight its progress in education, skills development and digital inclusion, while reaffirming its commitment to the organization’s mission of education, science, culture and information.

Ambassador Francois Nkulikiyimfura on the right and Secretary General of Rwanda National Commission for UNESCO on left

Speaking on behalf of Rwanda, Ambassador Francois Nkulikiyimfura emphasized that Rwanda has made strong investments in its education sector over the past five years particularly in improving school infrastructure, teacher capacity, and providing essential learning materials. Rwanda’s Ambassador to UNESCO stated that the country “has focused on providing essential learning materials, upgrading teachers’ skills, expanding school infrastructure, and introducing school-feeding programmes so that every child can learn and thrive.”
The statement stressed that future efforts will focus on ensuring students are equipped with the skills demanded by the digital and global economy. Rwanda pledged to expand the use of technology in classrooms by supplying computers, internet access, and training teachers in digital tools.

In addition to education, Rwanda reaffirmed its commitment to the broader agendas of UNESCO, including promoting inclusive growth, sustainable development, and leaving no one behind. While the detailed text of Rwanda’s national statement has not been widely published, it was delivered in the context of the General Policy Debate of the Conference, which brings together Member States to outline their priorities aligned to UNESCO’s 41 C/4 Medium-Term Strategy.
Rwanda’s statement at UNESCO suggests a roadmap where the country is not just catching up in access, but seeks to leap into relevance and innovation, aligning domestic policy with global frameworks.
Philomene MUKANKUSI