This year the Forum focused on “innovations”, “quality” and “lifelong learning” under the theme – “Innovations for Quality Education and Lifelong Learning”. It welcomed more than 500 policy makers and stakeholders from across the globe to discuss debate and display how innovations are improving the quality of education and creating new spaces for lifelong learning.
The opening ceremony marked the official start of the four-day forum and included welcoming addresses from Dr Linda Sissons, Board Chair, Commonwealth of Learning (COL), Mr Malcolm Sweeting, Pro-Chancellor, The Open University (OU), Professor Mary Kellett, Vice-Chancellor, OU, Ms Dee Bradbury, President of the Scottish Rugby Union, and Professor Asha Kanwar, President and CEO, COL.
In opening the Pre-Conference Workshop, Commonwealth of Learning President, Professor Asha Kanwar – President and CEO of COL stressed the need to move beyond talking to implementation. She hoped that the countries would be able to make use of the Employability Guidelines to ensure that graduates from institutions of higher learning are fit for industry in line with the fourth revolution.
ZAQA has the mandate to develop guidelines for the National Occupational Standards (NOS). The NOS will reshape and transform the education sector in Zambia; its development will renovate the process of the education system in the country. The NOS will ensure that education and training will tailored to respond to industry needs and promote skills development.