INTRODUCTION
The G20 Education Working Group (EdWG) was established during the Argentinian Presidency in 2018. Subsequent presidencies all incorporated the EdWG as a permanent Working Group of the Sherpa track.
Since 2018, several educational challenges have been dealt with by the G20 EWG, including: strengthening learning outcomes; equitable access; technological tools, digitalisation and digital technologies in education, universal quality education, financing, partnerships for education; international cooperation; skills for life and work; early childhood care and education (ECCE); universal quality education; and a focus on education for sustainable development.
South Africa is hosting the EdWG, cognisant of the fact that South Africa, as part of the troika from 2024 to 2026, will build upon the achievements of India and Brazil to ensure continuity in taking forward the development agenda. South Africa has an opportunity to champion the aspirations of emerging market economies and promote the development agenda of the African continent within the framework of the G20.
South Africa’s participation in the G20 is guided by our strategic foreign policy pillars, which include:
- Enhancing the African agenda and promoting Africa’s sustainable development
- South-South cooperation
- Influencing the global multilateral architecture by advancing the agenda of the South through North-South dialogue.
The priorities that South Africa will therefore focus on are:
- Priority 1: Inclusive Economic Growth, Industrialisation Employment and Inequality
- Priority 2: Food Security
- Priority 3: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Innovation for Sustainable Development.
PRIORITIES
PRIORITY 1: QUALITY FOUNDATIONAL LEARNING: THE ROLE OF ECCE TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF FOUNDATIONAL LEARNING
At sub-theme level, the following key areas are highlighted for deeper engagement:
- A fit-for-purpose articulation between minimum qualifications for ECCE teachers, high-quality pre-service training and innovation in the in-service training and development of ECCE teachers
- The development and implementation of quality assurance initiatives in ECCE programmes
- Frameworks for parenting support programmes
- Fostering collaboration with stakeholders in developing a capable, professional workforce
- Innovative, sustainable parenting support programmes.
PRIORITY 2: EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR A CHANGING WORLD
In light of the above, the areas of focus will hone in on:
- Practices of countries with respect to teacher retention, efficacy, and autonomy in ITE and in-service training.
- The challenges of teacher retention, with respect to conditions of service but also other factors, and strategies for enhancement.
- The impact of new teacher induction, orientation, and mentoring programmes in mitigating attrition.
- Key strategies for enhancing teacher retention and efficacy.
- Insights and best practices on integrating 21st-century skills into teacher education and showcasing innovative practices for upskilling teachers.
- Integrating 21st-century skills into teacher education programmes.
PRIORITY 3: MUTUAL RECOGNITION OF QUALIFICATIONS IN A GLOBAL CONTEXT
In pursuance of the above, the focus will be on:
- Understanding the qualifications and quality assurance regimes in different countries and the current realities and challenges with respect to the recognition of foreign qualifications.
- Exploring the possible mechanisms for mutual recognition of qualifications and skills, including micro-credentials.
- Exploring enabling mechanisms, global and regional conventions, and continental qualifications frameworks and networks, in support of the recognition of qualifications across national borders.
- Exploring innovative approaches to micro-credentials for lifelong learning and employability.
