Design4Learning Addis Edition

Day One Theme: Policy and Purpose - Keeping Education Meaningful and Current

Big Question: What should policy makers and system leaders change in the next two years to ensure that education remains valuable to learners and society when technology is moving faster than curricula?

Session 1: Reimagining the Purpose of Education in the Age of AI

Format: Panel Discussion

Objective: Explore why education still matters when machines can perform complex tasks and how systems can keep human flourishing at the core.

Representative Speakers:

• AUC Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation (opening remarks)

• Ethiopia Minister of Labour and Skills (policy vision)

• African higher education leader or philosopher of education (values and ethics perspective)

Session 2: Policy Levers for Relevance and Reform

Format: Panel Discussion

Objective: Identify concrete strategies that governments and partners can use to keep curricula aligned with emerging sectors such as renewable energy, health diagnostics, mobility, and agro-processing.

Representative Speakers:

• Government curriculum or qualifications framework expert

• Industry association or chamber representative

• Donor or development finance institution education lead

Day Two Theme: Policy and Purpose - Keeping Education Meaningful and Current

Big Question: How can providers make competency-based education effective in real classrooms and labs while generative AI and automation continue to change tasks and evidence?

Session 3: Evidence that Matters - Fireside Chat

Format: Moderated Conversation

Objective: Discuss how to measure whether curriculum reforms are reaching classrooms, workshops, and labs, and what indicators are truly useful for decision-making.

Representative Speakers:

• TVET educator and student sharing first-hand experience

Session 1: Designing Learning for Work and Life

Format: Panel Discussion

Objective: Demonstrate how curriculum design can link learning outcomes to job roles, level descriptors, and ethical practice.

Representative Speakers:

• TVET instructor with a successful implementation example

• University educator from a STEM-field

• Private-sector training partner or employer representative

Session 2: Judging Fairly - Assessment and Recognition in the AI Era

Format: Panel Discussion

Objective: Explore how to assess performance fairly, maintain integrity, and recognize learning across institutions through micro-credentials and credit transfer.

Representative Speakers:

• National qualifications or quality assurance authority representative

• Employer federation or professional body leader

• Digital credentialing or certification expert

Session 3: Teaching with Technology Responsibly - Fireside Chat

Format: Moderated Conversation

Objective: Discuss how educators can integrate technology and AI responsibly, protecting privacy and promoting fairness.

Representative Speakers:

• University educator and TVET trainer

• Student voice representing learners' perspectives