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Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi yesterday sked education professionals to address critical issues affecting education, including conflict, climate change, and the impact of technology.

Mudavadi poited at the alarming situation in the Sahel region and other parts of Africa, where approximately 100 million students are currently out of school due to ongoing conflicts.

He urged education leaders to develop innovative solutions to pressing global challenges during the official opening of the 2024 International Confederation of Principals (ICP) World Convention.

Speaking on behalf of the President William Ruto yesterday, Mudavadi questioned how educational leaders can navigate the complexities of providing quality education in such challenging environments. “What will happen to the lives of these young people, given that the effects of conflict can last for up to 40 years?” he asked.

“We are on the brink of creating a lost generation, and we must find ways to ensure their futures are not bleak,” he added.

Impacts on climate change

The Prime Cabinet Secretary also addressed the severe impacts of climate change. He cited recent events in Kenya, where the worst drought in 40 years destroyed over 4,000 classrooms, alongside critical infrastructure such as bridges and roads that provide access to schools.

“We must recognize that climate change is not just an environmental issue, it directly affects our educational systems and the opportunities available to our children,” Mudavadi stated.

Mudavadi emphasized the importance of economic empowerment for the youth. He noted that Africa is home to 1.4 billion people, with 70% being young. However, only 30% of intra-business is conducted within the continent, while 70% occurs outside.

He challenged education professionals to think critically about how to improve local economies and ensure that young people are equipped with the necessary skills to thrive. “How fast can we integrate language and communication skills into our curricula so that we can engage more effectively with each other?” he asked.

Mudavadi raised concerns about the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on education. He questioned whether AI serves as a tool for positive change or whether it risks creating scenarios that could be detrimental to society.