Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu Announces Ghana to Host High-Level Global Conference on Crisis-Affected Learning

Ghana is set to become the focal point for global discussions on education in crisis zones as it hosts the Second High-Level Conference on Scaling Education Initiatives in Emergencies (EiE). Scheduled for September 29-30, 2026, the two-day summit will bring together stakeholders to address the dire educational gaps faced by millions of children caught in the crosshairs of conflict and environmental catastrophes. Organized by Associates for Change in collaboration with various international partners, the conference underscores Ghana's commitment to leading regional efforts in ensuring learning continuity despite the increasing frequency of humanitarian emergencies. Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu, emphasizing the urgency of the situation, revealed that more than 72 million children worldwide are currently out of school due to ongoing crises. West Africa remains one of the most significantly impacted regions, where a combination of armed conflict and natural disasters has disrupted traditional schooling systems. The Minister noted that the conference would focus on synthesizing policy-relevant evidence to enhance both the access to and the quality of education for these vulnerable populations, aiming to transform theoretical research into actionable interventions. A critical component of the upcoming discussions will be the role of climate change in exacerbating educational instability. Recent years have seen a surge in school closures across the sub-region due to severe flooding and mass displacement. These environmental stressors not only destroy physical infrastructure but also create long-term barriers to learning for displaced youth. The conference aims to develop resilient educational frameworks that can withstand such shocks, ensuring that the right to education is protected even in the face of escalating climate-related disasters. As the host nation, Ghana seeks to leverage this platform to foster cross-border cooperation and secure sustainable funding for emergency education initiatives. By bringing together policymakers, researchers, and development partners, the event is expected to produce a roadmap for scaling successful pilot programs into national and regional policies. The ultimate goal is to provide a lifeline for millions of children, ensuring that the disruption of their present circumstances does not permanently derail their future opportunities.