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Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is both an honor and a pleasure to deliver the opening remarks at this 3rd International Conference on Reshaping Education for Sustainable Development. On behalf of the Ministry of Education and the Government of Rwanda, I extend heartfelt congratulations to the University of Rwanda and the Mastercard Foundation for their unwavering commitment to academic excellence and international collaboration.

This year’s theme “Empowering Educators to Prepare Students for the Complex Challenges of Tomorrow” is both timely and vital. It underscores the indispensable role of teachers as catalysts for transformation in education and society. In Rwanda, our educational vision is bold : to nurture a skilled, confident, and ethically grounded citizenry equipped to drive our socio-economic transformation. This is pursued through inclusive, high-quality education that fosters critical thinking, innovation, scientific literacy, and strong civic values.

Our national vision aligns closely with Sustainable Development Goal 4, which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. We believe that education is more than a right—it is the engine of national development, personal empowerment, and global peace.
Conferences such as this are critical platforms for knowledge exchange, policy reflection, and collective innovation. They strengthen the academic fabric of our institutions and promote deeper partnerships that transcend borders. I encourage the University of Rwanda to continue fostering such collaboration while also advancing sustainable models of institutional growth—including increased digital resource utilization and internally generated revenue streams to support long-term resilience.

The lessons of the COVID-19 pandemic have been profound. We were reminded of the importance of agility and adaptability in education. Today, we must build on that momentum, embracing hybrid and blended learning as permanent features of a more inclusive and future-ready academic ecosystem. The University of Rwanda’s investment in e-learning infrastructure provides a valuable springboard for this transformation.
As outlined in Rwanda’s Education Sector Strategic Plan (2024–2029), we are resolute in our efforts to improve the quality, relevance, and inclusivity of our education system. Yet challenges remain. With graduate employability rates averaging 45% over the past decade, we must do more to align higher education with labor market needs. Equally, Rwanda’s research output—currently at 0.6 publications per capita per year, below our 1.0 target—calls for strategic investment and capacity building. The Gross Domestic Expenditure on Research and Development (GERD), at 0.79% of GDP in 2022/23, must be enhanced to support our aspirations.

Tackling these challenges demands coordinated action to strengthen research ecosystems, boost academic excellence, and reinforce linkages between universities, industry, and communities.
These priorities are embedded within our broader National Strategy for Transformation (NST1). Under Pillar 4 : Social Transformation, we commit to delivering education that is not only high in quality but relevant to the demands of an evolving world. As we often say, education is the master gear that powers all sectors—from health and economy to environment and social cohesion.

In conclusion, I express my sincere appreciation to all who made this conference possible—organizers, partners, scholars, and guests. May this forum be a space for bold ideas, transformative dialogue, and enduring partnerships. And may the knowledge shared here translate into actions that elevate Rwanda’s education system and advance our shared global goals.

Murakoze cyane. Thank you.