Global Leaders Gather for Education Summit

In an effort to address pressing global educational challenges, the Fifth Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen is set to take place in Kyiv this September. Spearheaded by Ukraine’s First Lady, Olena Zelenska, alongside First Deputy Prime Minister Mykhailo Fedorov and Minister of Education and Science Oksen Lisovyi, the summit aims to emphasize the role of accessibility, quality, and technology in education.

The two-day event, themed “Education Shaping the World,” will convene Nobel Prize laureates, ministers, educators, and representatives of major IT companies from around the globe. The first day will showcase research on educational processes in 14 countries, followed by a tribute event dedicated to teachers. The subsequent day will focus on discussions about education access, innovative implementations, and education’s role in sustaining peace.

Olena Zelenska highlighted the significance of the summit by stating, “Education is the cornerstone of any society. Although the war has necessitated unique educational approaches, many countries face their own challenges, like ensuring equal education access.” Special emphasis will be placed on teachers, who are seen as pivotal in shaping future generations.

Minister Oksen Lisovyi pointed out the universal issue of declining prestige in the teaching profession, emphasizing that low salaries and aging demographics are pressing concerns worldwide. Meanwhile, Mykhailo Fedorov revealed that tech giants such as Google and Cisco will participate, aiming to integrate technology into education more effectively.

Launched in 2021, the Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen has become a vital international platform, fostering collaboration across over 40 countries to address humanitarian challenges. This year’s event is expected to yield innovative partnerships and projects that will pave the way for future educational advancements.