The Mastercard Foundation has announced its participation in the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), with a focus on secondary education and women’s empowerment in Africa.
The foundation will host two events under the themes “Powering Parity—Inclusive Education for a Sustainable Future” and “Invincible: Empowering Women, Transforming Africa.” These events will bring together leading experts and policymakers to discuss strategies for improving access to education for young African women and empowering women across the continent.
The Mastercard Foundation’s commitment to women’s empowerment is evident in its Young Africa Works strategy, which aims to accelerate access to dignified and fulfilling work for 21 million young women by 2030. The foundation’s collaboration with exceptional institutions and its focus on scaling solutions that drive meaningful impact align with the UNGA 79 general debate theme of “Leaving No One Behind.”
One of the key discussions at the UNGA events will be on the pivotal role of education technology in fostering resilient and inclusive learning in Africa. The Mastercard Foundation recognizes the importance of leveraging technology to overcome barriers to education and provide quality learning opportunities for all.
The foundation’s events will feature prominent speakers, including:
- Dr. Jamila Ibrahim, Minister for Youth Development in Nigeria
- Deniece Laurent-Mantey, Executive Director of the POTUS Africa Diaspora Advisory Council at the White House
- Dr. Haja Wurie, Minister of Technical and Higher Education for Sierra Leone
- Prof. Birhanu Nega, Minister of Education for Ethiopia
- Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy for Nigeria
These experts will discuss strategies for transforming financial systems to benefit women, promoting inclusive education policies, and scaling successful solutions across Africa.
The Mastercard Foundation’s participation in the UNGA is a significant step towards advancing women’s empowerment and promoting inclusive education in Africa. By bringing together key stakeholders and sharing knowledge and best practices, the foundation is helping to pave the way for a more equitable and sustainable future for the continent’s young women.
