More than 3,500 higher education leaders, researchers, innovators, industry leaders and students from across the globe have converged at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) for the 2024 QS Africa Forum.
The two-day global conference, which was opened on Monday, September 9, 2024, aims to ignite meaningful dialogues, forge strategic partnerships, and inspire bold initiatives geared towards transforming education in Africa and unlocking the continent’s vast potential.
The event will also delve into how higher education could adapt and thrive in an era of rapid change, as well as offer solutions and opportunities related to artificial intelligence, the economy, and the future of work.
The two-day global conference is under the theme “Empowering Africa’s Youth: Integrating Entrepreneurship, Future Skills, and AI/Technology in Education for a Sustainable Future.
The Vice-Chancellor of UPSA, Prof Abednego F. O. Amartey, in welcoming participants to the conference expressed his gratitude for the privilege to host the prestigious event.
He said the theme of the conference resonates with UPSA’s vision and commitment to fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology among the youth.
“At UPSA, we recognise that the future of Africa lies in the hands of its youth, and we have taken significant strides to empower our students with the knowledge and skills they need to drive sustainable development on the continent,” Prof Amartey said.
“As a young and fast-growing university in Ghana, and indeed in Africa, we are deeply inspired to incorporate the principle of sustainability into every facet of our mandate to nurture the next generation of leaders and change-makers.”
Executive Director at QS Quacquarelli Symonds in charge of Africa, Middle East & South Asia, Dr Ashwin Fernandes, called on higher education institutions to use education to empower African youth, equipping them with sustainable skills that will help them become changemakers.
“Education,” Dr Fernandes said, “gives people power, reveals hidden talents, and encourages new ideas. We must ensure our institutions don’t just prepare students for today’s jobs, but also they should give them the know-how and abilities to succeed in tomorrow’s fast-growing world.
“This means we must focus on building critical thinking, imagination, and ways to solve problems.”
Veronica Omeni, the QS Forum Chairperson and Lead Consultant, explained that the forum will showcase inspiring keynote speakers, cutting-edge research, and innovative solutions that are driving educational excellence across the continent.
She stressed that by bringing together diverse perspectives and expertise, the QS Africa Forum 2024 seeks to build a strong community of education leaders and changemakers who are committed to shaping a brighter future for Africa.
It has brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including researchers, heads of higher education institutions, innovators, policymakers, and students.
After two days of deliberations, the forum will generate a comprehensive report capturing the key findings, recommendations, and best practices.
The report will serve as a valuable resource for policymakers, institutions, and stakeholders, guiding their efforts to transform education and drive sustainable development in Africa.
