Rwanda has positioned itself at the center of global education reform discussions as it hosts the Global Learning Conference 2026, a high-level international forum focused on aligning education systems with health, environmental sustainability and inclusive development.
The two-day conference, which opened on February 19, has brought together senior government officials, private sector leaders, educators, students and innovators to deliberate on how learning models can be reshaped to address today’s complex global challenges.
The event is hosted by Rwanda’s Ministry of Education in partnership with the Global Learning Council, with support from UNITAR and the Villars Institute.
Opening the conference, State Minister for Education Claudette Irere underscored the strategic importance of hosting such a global platform in Africa, noting that it reinforces Rwanda’s commitment to strengthening the quality and relevance of education.
“This conference aligns closely with Rwanda’s vision of building a technology-driven and future-ready education system,” she said, emphasizing the need to adapt learning systems to rapid global transformation.
Irere highlighted the growing role of artificial intelligence and innovation in reshaping classrooms, stressing that education stakeholders must work collaboratively to enhance quality, equity and measurable learning outcomes.
Beyond policy dialogue, the conference seeks to promote equal access to high-quality education and deepen cross-border partnerships that can accelerate systemic change.
Among the prominent participants are Dr. Lee Howell, Chief Executive Officer of the Villars Institute, and Dr. Gururaj Deshpande, co-founder of the Deshpande Foundation.
Founded in 2022 in Switzerland, the Villars Institute convenes global leaders, experts, educators and youth to co-create solutions to pressing global challenges. Meanwhile, the Deshpande Foundation, established in 1996 in the United States, supports innovation, entrepreneurship and community-driven development initiatives, particularly in rural communities, with operations spanning the U.S., India and Canada.
By hosting the Global Learning Conference 2026, Rwanda further cements its growing reputation as a continental hub for high-level dialogue on education transformation and sustainable development.
