Introduction to the Forum
In June of 2022, the China-Africa Deans of Education Forum convened under the theme “Reimagine Teacher Education towards a Shared Future”. The two-day event, co-organised by UNESCO International Research and Training Centre for Rural Education (INRULED), Faculty of Education (FOE) of Beijing Normal University(BNU), and UNESCO International Institute for Capacity Building in Africa (IICBA), aimed to explore the development of teacher education institutions (TEIs), policies, and practices that enhance teacher capacity, and to address the challenges associated with supporting teachers’ professional development.
The forum was built on the Education 2030 Framework for Action and the Continental Education Strategy for Africa (2016-2025), which emphasise the importance of revitalising the teaching profession to ensure quality and relevance at all levels of education. The event also aligned with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4.C, which calls for international cooperation to increase the supply of qualified teachers in developing countries.
The forum began with messages of support from various distinguished guests, including the Vice President of BNU, the Director of UNESCO IICBA, the representative of the African Department of Priority Africa and External Relations(PAX) at UNESCO, the Commissioner of the African Union(AU), and the Secretary-General of the Chinese National Commission for UNESCO. Each highlighted the importance of communication and cooperation among teacher education institutions in China and Africa. Keynote speeches were then delivered by representatives from the Ministry of Education (MoE) of China, Education International, BNU, and the Africa Federation for Teaching Regulatory Authorities. These speakers provided insights into various aspects of teacher education, including policy, practice, and research evidence.
On the second day, professors and experts from universities and UNESCO-related international organisations gave presentations on three key topics: (1) Technology-enhanced Teacher Education: Achievements and Challenges; (2) Quality Teachers for Rural Schools: Policy, Practice and Research Evidence; and (3) Education Towards Peace and a Community with a Shared Future. The presentations were informative and provided valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing teacher education in China and Africa.
The wrap-up session explored opportunities for collaboration and action among TEIs and international organisations in China and Africa. Participants discussed various ideas and proposals for working together to improve teacher education, including joint research projects, training programmes, and policy development. The session was a productive and positive way to conclude the forum and provided a strong foundation for future collaboration.
With over 1,400 views through its online live streaming in both English and Chinese, the forum brought together government officials, scholars, and experts from universities and international organisations from over 12 countries. Overall, the China-Africa Deans of Education Forum provided a significant platform to address the pressing issues of teacher shortages and teacher quality from the perspective of TEIs and teacher training institutions (TTIs), emphasising the importance of global cooperation towards a shared future of education.