By Hawa Dolley
Liberia has called for stronger national institutions, improved education systems, and greater African participation in emerging technologies during the opening of the 225th Executive Board of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
Minister of Education and Head of Liberia’s Delegation, Dr. Jarso Maley Jallah, delivered the first national statement at the opening of the board, emphasizing the need for international commitments to produce meaningful results in communities.
Minister Jallah urged delegates to look beyond programs, strategies, and budgets and focus on how policies and initiatives improve the lives of people.
She highlighted Liberia’s efforts in teacher preparation and professional standards, technical and vocational education and training (TVET), inclusive education, digital learning, and peacebuilding.
The Liberian Education Minister also stressed the importance of building stronger national institutions and developing local capacity to sustain reforms beyond individual projects.
On artificial intelligence (AI), Minister Jallah called for Africa to play a meaningful role in shaping the technologies and standards that will influence education and development.
She cautioned that the existing digital divide should not widen into an AI divide, stressing the need for African countries to participate in decisions that shape emerging technologies.
Minister Jallah further highlighted Liberia’s experience in connecting education, culture, history, and peacebuilding, including the UNESCO Chair for Peacebuilding at Cuttington University.
She said UNESCO’s Prioritize Africa agenda should translate into stronger institutions, improved professional standards, greater investment in African knowledge and research, and increased participation in emerging technologies.
The minister emphasized that these efforts must create opportunities that reach people in the communities where they live and learn.