“South-South and triangular cooperation has catalyzed digital transformation and Artificial Intelligence integration in the domain of higher education,” said UNOSSC Research Specialist Dumitru Vasilescu at the 2024 High-Level Policy Dialogue in Africa.
“South-South platforms, accessible to all, are repositories for open educational resources allowing leapfrogging of traditional barriers, bringing quality education to the underserved,” said Mr. Vasilescu at panel focusing on South-South and triangular cooperation for improved higher education, moderated by Mr. Bobir Tukhtabayev, Chief of the Relations with the United Nations and Intergovernmental Organizations Section, Priority Africa and External Relations Sector, UNESCO.
Panelists included: Mr. Mamadou Babacar Ndiaye, Vice President and President (a.i.), Network for Higher Education Excellence in West Africa and Rector, Université Iba Der Thiam de Thiès, Senegal; Mr. Brian Halubanza, Dean of the School of Engineering and Technology, Mulungushi University, Zambia; and Mr. Quentin Wodon, Director, UNESCO International Institute for Capacity Building in Africa.
It was highlighted that Africa is a continent of vast opportunity, with the youngest population on the planet, expanding innovation sectors and rising economic power. Africa’s population (70% of whom are under 30) is expected to double to 2.5 billion by 2050, a demographic dividend offering immense potential if coupled with adequate investments in education, digital infrastructure, innovation and entrepreneurship.
However African countries face a range of critical challenges as identified by African Member States and regional bodies such as the African Union. In 2021, around 20.8% of African youth were not in education, employment or training, two-thirds young women. Critically, 96.8% of young workers across Africa have jobs in the informal sector.
South-South and triangular cooperation has potential to help address these challenges by, for example, catalyzing digital transformation and AI integration in higher education.
“Digital platforms have become the backbone of South-South and triangular cooperation,” said Mr. Vasilescu, providing some examples/strategies and mechanisms that have driven effective South-South and triangular cooperation:
Panelists included: Mr. Mamadou Babacar Ndiaye, Vice President and President (a.i.), Network for Higher Education Excellence in West Africa and Rector, Université Iba Der Thiam de Thiès, Senegal; Mr. Brian Halubanza, Dean of the School of Engineering and Technology, Mulungushi University, Zambia; and Mr. Quentin Wodon, Director, UNESCO International Institute for Capacity Building in Africa.
It was highlighted that Africa is a continent of vast opportunity, with the youngest population on the planet, expanding innovation sectors and rising economic power. Africa’s population (70% of whom are under 30) is expected to double to 2.5 billion by 2050, a demographic dividend offering immense potential if coupled with adequate investments in education, digital infrastructure, innovation and entrepreneurship.
However African countries face a range of critical challenges as identified by African Member States and regional bodies such as the African Union. In 2021, around 20.8% of African youth were not in education, employment or training, two-thirds young women. Critically, 96.8% of young workers across Africa have jobs in the informal sector.
South-South and triangular cooperation has potential to help address these challenges by, for example, catalyzing digital transformation and AI integration in higher education.
“Digital platforms have become the backbone of South-South and triangular cooperation,” said Mr. Vasilescu, providing some examples/strategies and mechanisms that have driven effective South-South and triangular cooperation:
- Building regional and international networks: The establishment of collaborative platforms such as the African Continental Qualifications Framework (ACQF) has been instrumental. The ACQF harmonizes qualifications across the continent, enhancing mobility for learners and workers and building mutual trust between institutions. Such framework represents a scalable model for fostering regional integration.
- Leveraging technology: Digital platforms have become the backbone of South-South and triangular cooperation. Initiatives such as the Khang Panya Lao digital learning system in Southeast Asia demonstrate how digital tools can ensure continuity of learning, even during crises. These platforms, accessible to all, serve as repositories for open educational resources and enable users to access content without internet connection. Such technologies allow countries to leapfrog traditional barriers, bringing quality education to underserved populations.
- Capacity building and institutional strengthening: Training programs tailored to higher education leaders, faculty, and policymakers have proven critical. For instance, UNESCO International Institute for Higher Education in Latin America and the Caribbean (IESALC)’s capacity-building initiatives in Latin America provided educators with the skills to transition to online teaching, ensuring pedagogical continuity during the pandemic. These programs enhanced institutional resilience, enabling educators to adopt and adapt digital innovations.
- The UNESCO-CODEMAO Youth Coding Initiative aims to empower young learners in Africa and Asia with coding and computational skills, using AI-powered platforms to provide personalized learning paths.
- The UNESCO and Huawei partnership: Collaborations with technology companies have enabled the deployment of innovative solutions tailored to local needs. Examples include Huawei’s partnerships in Africa to develop smart classrooms and provide affordable access to AI-powered educational tools. These partnerships ensure that technological advancements are both accessible and sustainable. Partnerships with other major tech companies from the Global South are equally extremely inspiring and impactful.
