The Global Learning Conference 2026, co-hosted by the Rwanda Ministry of Education, recently convened in Kigali from February 19 to 20, 2026, bringing together a diverse group of global education leaders, policymakers, thought leaders, and innovators. The pivotal two-day event aimed to redefine education, particularly in the context of rapidly advancing artificial intelligence (AI) and the pressing need to improve learning outcomes across Africa and beyond. A central theme was the assurance that AI would empower, rather than replace, teachers, signaling Rwanda's commitment to embracing digital transformation in its education sector.
Key Findings
- The Global Learning Conference 2026 was held in Kigali, Rwanda, from February 19 to 20, 2026, co-hosted by the Rwanda Ministry of Education.
- A primary objective was to redefine education for the AI age and produce clear priority pathways and measurable commitments to enhance learning outcomes globally.
- Rwanda emphasized that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is viewed as a tool to empower teachers and transform the education sector, rather than replacing human educators.
- Discussions highlighted the critical role of health and nutrition as foundational elements for effective learning.
- Participants stressed the importance of learning systems in preparing societies to address major global challenges such as climate change and inequality.
- The conference fostered collaboration across various sectors and disciplines to design innovative educational solutions.
Details
Background / Context
The Global Learning Conference 2026 served as a significant platform for international dialogue on the future of education. Hosted in Africa, with Rwanda's Ministry of Education as a key partner, the event aimed to facilitate collaboration among diverse stakeholders, including educators, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and multi-generational learners.
The conference sought to leverage collective expertise to design innovative educational frameworks capable of addressing contemporary global challenges and technological shifts. President Paul Kagame met with global education leaders ahead of the conference, underscoring the high-level engagement and commitment to its objectives
Themes and Focus Areas
The conference delved into several critical areas, reflecting the complex landscape of modern education:
- Education in the AI Age: A prominent theme was the integration of Artificial Intelligence into education. Rwanda's Minister of State, Claudette Irere, assured that AI's role would be to empower teachers and facilitate a digital shift, rather than leading to job displacement. This perspective aimed to alleviate concerns about AI's impact on the teaching profession while embracing its potential for pedagogical innovation and improved learning experiences.
- Foundations for Learning: Health and Nutrition: Panelists at the conference stressed the undeniable link between health, nutrition, and effective learning outcomes. This highlighted a holistic approach to education, recognizing that a child's well-being is fundamental to their ability to learn and thrive.
- Preparing for Global Challenges: Discussions also focused on how learning systems can better equip societies to tackle pressing global issues. These included climate change, pervasive inequalities, and other complex societal challenges. The emphasis was on fostering critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and global citizenship through education.
- ICT Applications in Education: The conference provided valuable insights into the latest applications of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in education, showcasing how technology can be harnessed to enhance teaching and learning processes.
Outcomes and Commitments
A key outcome of the conference was the intention to formulate clear priority pathways and establish measurable commitments. These commitments are designed to significantly improve learning outcomes not only within Africa but globally. The collaborative spirit of the conference aimed to translate discussions into concrete actions and strategies for educational advancement. The Global Learning Council, which connects education practitioners with technology innovators, plays a role in fostering such advancements.
Rwanda's Role and Vision
Rwanda's decision to co-host this global event underscores its proactive stance in educational reform and digital transformation. The nation's assurance regarding AI's role in empowering teachers reflects a forward-thinking approach to integrating technology responsibly into its national education strategy. By hosting the conference, Rwanda positioned itself as a key player in shaping the global discourse on the future of learning and fostering international cooperation in education.
Comparison
While the conference largely focused on the positive potential of AI to empower teachers, the context acknowledges that "critics have also warned that AI could encourage" certain negative outcomes, such as concerns about job security. The Rwandan government's explicit assurance serves as a counter-narrative, advocating for a balanced and beneficial integration of AI that prioritizes human educators and ensures equitable access to digital literacy. This highlights a global discussion on how to best harness AI while mitigating potential risks.
What's Uncertain
While the conference aimed to produce "clear priority pathways and measurable commitments," the specific details of these commitments and their implementation timelines are not extensively detailed in the provided search results. Future reports or official communiqués from the Rwanda Ministry of Education or the Global Learning Conference organizers would be necessary to fully understand the concrete actions stemming from the conference.
Practical Takeaway
- Embrace AI as a tool for teacher empowerment and educational transformation, focusing on its potential to enhance learning rather than replace human instruction
- Prioritize holistic student well-being by integrating health and nutrition initiatives as fundamental components of educational policies.
- Develop educational curricula that equip learners with the skills and knowledge necessary to address complex global challenges like climate change and inequality.
- Foster cross-sectoral and international collaboration to design and implement innovative educational solutions
- Continuously explore and integrate the latest ICT applications to enhance teaching methodologies and student engagement