Regional Symposium and Policy Dialogue on Transforming Education
About the Event
The Regional Symposium and Policy Dialogue on Transforming Education will take place from October 2 to 4, 2024, at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in the Cayman Islands. Hosted by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), in collaboration with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat, the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission, and The University of the West Indies, this event aims to bring together key regional stakeholders to discuss methods for transforming the delivery of education across the Caribbean.
Event Objectives
The symposium will target Ministers of Education, educators, policymakers, youth, teachers, civil society organisations, and social development entities. With over 150 individuals expected to participate, the event will explore strategies for reimagining teaching practices, expanding access to education, and fostering innovative, effective leadership for the teaching and training sector.
Thematic Areas
The symposium will focus on five thematic areas, reflecting priorities identified at the 2022 Global Transforming Education Summit:
* Inclusive, equitable, safe, and healthy schools
* Learning and skills for life, work, and sustainable development
* Teachers, teaching, and the teaching profession
* Digital learning and transformation
* Financing education
Agenda for Action
Discussions will centre on leadership transformation, revamping teaching and learning methods, and expanding reach. The three days of meetings will culminate in the development of a consensus-driven roadmap for education transformation—the Agenda for Action. This document will serve as the foundation for sustained efforts to improve educational outcomes across the region.
Quotes
* CARICOM Secretary-General, Carla Bennett, said “The CARICOM Secretariat is pleased to partner on this critical issue of transforming education in the Region. Stakeholder participation in education is not just the goal of transformation, but the principal methodology. We underscore the value of a whole-of-society approach to education transformation.”
* Director General of the OECS Commission, His Excellency Dr. Didacus Jules, said: “Over the past 40 years, efforts to transform Caribbean education have seen limited success, failing to fundamentally reshape the system. From July to September 2024, Google reported 315,000 articles on the ‘Caribbean Education Crisis,’ reflecting widespread concern. This conference is a timely opportunity to confront this crisis and chart a decisive path toward rethinking and transforming Caribbean education.”
* CDB Acting President, Isaac Solomon, noted that the symposium aligns with the United Nations’ Transforming Education Agenda, which seeks to accelerate progress towards Sustainable Development Goal Four: inclusive, equitable, and quality education for all.
Conclusion
The Regional Symposium and Policy Dialogue on Transforming Education is a crucial step towards addressing the critical challenges facing education systems across the Caribbean. By bringing together key stakeholders, the event aims to craft actionable strategies that will ensure our education systems are more inclusive, equitable, and prepared for the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is hosting the event?
A: The event is hosted by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), in collaboration with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat, the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission, and The University of the West Indies.
Q: Who is expected to participate?
A: Ministers of Education, educators, policymakers, youth, teachers, civil society organisations, and social development entities.
Q: What are the thematic areas that will be discussed?
A: The symposium will focus on five thematic areas: inclusive, equitable, safe, and healthy schools; learning and skills for life, work, and sustainable development; teachers, teaching, and the teaching profession; digital learning and transformation; and financing education.
Q: What is the outcome of the event?
A: The three days of meetings will culminate in the development of a consensus-driven roadmap for education transformation—the Agenda for Action.