The University of Rwanda-College of Education (UR-CE) is gearing up to host an international conference on “Re-shaping Education for Sustainable Development” from 28th to 30th March 2023. The conference will bring together researchers, scholars, educators, policymakers, and postgraduate students to discuss the future of reshaped education.

The conference, organized under the theme “Re-thinking Holistic Education for the 4th Industrial Revolution,” aims to serve as the basis for the debate during the three-day meeting. Educational scholars and practitioners will reflect on how they can contribute more towards addressing societal problems and challenges to ensure that no one is left behind before the end of the 2030 agenda for sustainable development.

UR-CE, through its Leaders in Teaching (LIT) Initiative Project, funded by the Mastercard Foundation (MCF), is hosting the conference to build the capacity of academic staff and pre-service teachers. The UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) in the Great Lakes is collaborating with UR-CE to organize the event.

The conference aims to unite a diverse range of individuals from local and international educational organizations, including researchers, scholars, educators, policymakers, and postgraduate students. Through in-depth discussions, the conference hopes to further the cause of quality education for sustainable development. Attendees can network, share new ideas, best practices, and collectively address challenges facing the education sector.

"The meeting aims to support emerging researchers in the field of education, encouraging them to take their research to the global stage and make meaningful contributions towards finding solutions to societal issues in various countries, including Rwanda,"

Professor Nzabalirwa stated that UR-CE would benefit greatly from the experiences shared by teachers from other universities, both locally and globally.

He mentioned that the funds collected from individuals who request permission to attend the conference would be utilized to organize additional conferences that promote research and forums designed to enhance the capacity of educators.

The conference will also offer an opportunity for students who have completed their studies, including those with PhDs, to present their research findings and release polished research findings. UR-CE staff will also learn from the best practices of other countries during the conference.

Overall, the conference is an important initiative aimed at reshaping education for sustainable development, and it is expected to generate valuable insights and ideas that will help improve the education sector in Rwanda and beyond.