Samarkand, Uzbekistan | Uganda’s Permanent Delegate to UNESCO, Ambassador Doreen Ruth Amule, has urged countries to reform their education systems to equip learners with practical, digital, and entrepreneurial skills needed to thrive in the 21st century.
Speaking at the High-Level Ministerial Segment Meeting of the UNESCO 43rd General Conference held on October 31, 2025, in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, Ambassador Amule said the world is undergoing rapid transformation, requiring a shift in how education prepares learners for modern challenges.
She noted that traditional learning models centered on literacy and numeracy alone can no longer meet the needs of a dynamic global economy.
According to Amule, nations must now prioritize competencies such as creativity, critical thinking, environmental stewardship, and technological literacy to empower future generations.
Amule highlighted Uganda’s ongoing education reforms aimed at integrating problem-solving and innovation into the curriculum at all levels.
She said the government is aligning educational outcomes with the demands of the labor market to create a generation of skilled and adaptable learners.
She pointed out that Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) remains central to Uganda’s approach, bridging the gap between education and employment by equipping learners with hands-on skills directly applicable to industry and business sectors.
Addressing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Amule noted that it exposed digital inequalities across communities.
She said Uganda is working to address this through initiatives that promote digital literacy and expand access to technology and e-learning platforms.
The Ambassador also emphasized that teachers play a vital role in shaping the future of education, calling for continuous professional development to ensure they are equipped to teach effectively in an ever-changing world.
In her closing remarks, Amule called on all UNESCO member states to collaborate in developing inclusive, equitable, and resilient education systems capable of addressing global challenges and driving sustainable growth.
The UNESCO 43rd General Conference continues to deliberate on ways to transform education globally and ensure that learning remains relevant and accessible for future generations.
