The Second Pan-African Conference of the African Union on the Education of Girls and Women commenced on July 2, 2026, where Burundi affirmed its dedication to advancing girls' and women's education. This commitment aligns with the African Union's full Agenda 2063, the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, and the recently established Continental Education Strategy for Africa. The conference serves as a platform for member states to discuss and reinforce educational policies.
Key Commitments and Achievements
The conference focused on the theme, «accorder la priorité à l’éducation des filles et des femmes, développer leurs compétences et accélérer les opportunités d’apprentissage et de formation». François Havyarimana, Burundi's Minister of National Education and Scientific Research, stated that the event provided a platform for key discussions. "Au cours de cette conférence, nous avons partagé nos expériences, analysé les défis persistants et identifié des solutions innovantes pour garantir à chaque fille et à chaque femme africaine? Un accès équitable à une éducation de qualité inclusive et porteuse d’avenir," Havyarimana said. He added, "Les échanges ont montré que l’éducation des filles et des femmes constitue le fondement d’une Afrique prospère, pacifique, innovante et résiliente. Investir dans leur éducation, c’est investir dans le développement durable de notre continent."
Ministerial Perspectives
The Pan-African Conference of the African Union on the Education of Girls and Women concluded on Saturday, July 4, 2026. During the event, Angeline Ndayishimiye received a trophy presented by the African Union and the Ministry of National Education and Scientific Research. Ms. Ndayishimiye acknowledged the recognition, stating, "Je tiens à exprimer nos sincères remerciements pour tous les efforts des personnes engagées au côté de notre Fondation en faveurs de l’éducation des filles et des femmes." She added that the distinction serves as encouragement for their work. "Cette distinction nous encourage à poursuivre notre mission avec encore plus de détermination," Ms. Ndayishimiye said.
First Lady's Vision
Angeline Ndayishimiye, First Lady of Burundi, participated in the closing ceremony of the Pan-African Conference of the African Union on the Education of Girls and Women. Ms. Ndayishimiye is associated with the Fondation bonne action «Umugiraneza», a non-profit organization. She expressed gratitude for the recognition received during the conference, which included a trophy presented by the African Union and the Ministry of National Education and Scientific Research.
"Je tiens à exprimer nos sincères remerciements pour tous les efforts des personnes engagées au côté de notre Fondation en faveurs de l’éducation des filles et des femmes," Ms. Ndayishimiye stated, acknowledging collaborators. She added that the distinction serves as encouragement for their ongoing work: "Cette distinction nous encourage à poursuivre notre mission avec encore plus de détermination." The First Lady's participation showed Burundi's commitment to advancing educational opportunities for girls and women.
Broader Context and Future
The conference concluded with the adoption of the Declaration of Bujumbura. This declaration outlines commitments and strategies for advancing girls' and women's education across the continent. It aims to build upon the discussions held during the event, reinforcing the collective dedication to inclusive and quality education.