African Union Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, H.E. Prof. Mohammed Belhocine, participated in the 14^th Policy Dialogue Forum and in Johannesburg, South Africa from 26-28 February 2024.

Organized by the Ministry of Basic Education of the Republic of South Africa and the International Task Force on Teachers for Education 2030 (the Teacher Task Force hosted by UNESCO), this high-level forum took place under the theme “Addressing global teacher shortages: Dignifying, diversifying and valorizing the profession”. It brought together over 300 stakeholders in the education sector worldwide, to reflect on challenges facing the teaching profession globally, and to explore proper ways to develop responsive policies through national and international cooperation. The meeting was open by H.E Dr. Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile, Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa, who emphasized on the responsibility of policymakers and leaders to attract and retain exceptional educators as he declared, “Let us commit to working together to create a safe and inclusive learning environment for young children, while also recognising the important role played by our teachers”.

This forum came timely for the participants to take cognizance of the UN Secretary General High-Level group on teaching profession report’s content and recommendations, which had just been released.

During the Ministerial Panel Discussion on 26 February, the ESTI Commissioner emphasized the pivotal role of teachers in shaping the future of our societies and unlocking the potential of students through lifelong love for learning.

Prof. Belhocine added that despite their ability to equip the youth with essential 21^st century skills, teachers are facing numerous challenges globally. These include poor wages – with teachers' salaries below national income in many countries – limited opportunities for professional career development; insufficient support systems; lack of adequate incentives, just to name these few.

With regard to teacher shortages, the Commissioner indicated that it is currently estimated by UNESCO at over 15 million needed for sub-Saharan Africa to meet universal primary and secondary education goals by 2030.

Prof. Mohammed Belhocine regretfully said that these challenges lead to lack of motivation and low job satisfaction, with deterring effects on the attractiveness of the teaching profession and the recruitment of talented minds to lead the youngest generations, and this has an impact on children’s learning quality.

Sharing the experience of the African Union, the AU Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation highlighted Continental Teacher Development Instruments developed by the department under his leadership to advance the profession across Africa, namely Continental Guidelines for the Teaching Profession, a Continental Framework of Standards and Competences for the Teaching Profession and a Continental Teacher Qualification Framework. The AU has also established a continental Teachers' Award to recognize outstanding educators on the continent.

Commissioner Belhocine's remarks at the TTF forum reinforce the African Union's commitment to strengthening education systems, as outlined under the AU Theme of the Year 2024 – Educate an African fit for the 21st Century: Building resilient education systems for increased access to inclusive, lifelong, quality, and relevant learning in Africa.

Launched on the eve of the 37^th AU Summit of Heads of State and Government, the 2024 AU Theme on Education will give room for in-depth discussions on enhancing access to quality education across Africa, as the continent faces the most significant challenges globally, with the lowest educational attainment levels.

By participating in global platforms like the TTF forum, the African Union is playing a proactive role in shaping the international dialogue on transforming education and spotlighting priorities for the continent. Collaboration and exchange of expertise with diverse stakeholders is critical to developing policies and investments that strengthen the teaching profession and education systems.

For further information please contact:

Ms. Claudette Chancelle BILAMPASSI MOUTSATSI | PAU- ESTI Communication Officer| Department of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation| African Union Commission| E-mail: BilampassiC@africa-union.org|| African Union Commission Tel: +251 115 517 700 | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

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