By Kossi Tsenou, Senior Communication Officer

September 19th: Intergenerational Dialogue to Accelerate SDGs 3, 4, and 5 At the Summit of the Future, UN Secretary General António Guterres stressed that young people must be part of decision-making processes at the UN and beyond. FAWE, which is committed to fostering meaningful youth engagement, co-hosted a side event on intergenerational dialogue for the acceleration of SDGs 3 (Good Health and Well-being), 4 (Quality Education), and 5 (Gender Equality). Mr. Lamin Jarjusey, FAWE’s youth representative on the Board, joined this critical conversation alongside the African Union CIEFFA, UN Women, the Bakhita Partnership for Education, and the Hilton Foundation. A key takeaway was the importance of collaboration to promote gender equality in education as we operationalize the Pact for the Future.

September 22: Powering Parity – Inclusive Education for a Sustainable Future At a pivotal side event organized by the Mastercard Foundation during the UN General Assembly, FAWE participated in a powerful panel discussion on inclusive education. The session brought together education ministries, multilateral institutions, and donors to align efforts on accelerating impact and scaling proven educational solutions.

A highlight of the event was the launch of Phase II of the Mastercard Foundation and FAWE partnership. This partnership, which has been transformative for young women and girls across Africa, is focused on expanding educational opportunities for girls, particularly from rural, marginalized communities, as well as those living with disabilities and refugees.

Phase II of the partnership builds on the success of the first phase, which empowered thousands of girls with access to quality secondary and tertiary education. Through scholarships, leadership development, and mentorship programs, the FAWE-Mastercard Foundation collaboration is creating a new generation of African female leaders. This next phase aims to go even further by:

  • Broadening access to education for girls in underserved regions, ensuring they have the skills to succeed in life and contribute to their communities.
  • Enhancing STEM education, with a particular focus on digital skills, to equip girls with the tools they need in an increasingly tech-driven world.
  • Supporting TVET programs that provide practical skills training, giving girls the knowledge and experience they need to thrive in local and global job markets.
  • Strengthening community engagement by working with families and local leaders to change perceptions around girls’ education, ensuring lasting cultural shifts towards gender equality.

This partnership underscores a shared commitment to inclusive education for a sustainable future, ensuring no girl is left behind, no matter her background or circumstance. (Read more on this here).

September 22-23: The Summit of the Future at UN Headquarters During the Summit, global leaders adopted the Pact for the Future, including initiatives like the Global Digital Compact and the Declaration on Future Generations. FAWE participated in the plenary discussions where Member States shared their countries’ progress on sustainable development. FAWE’s voice reinforced the call for an inclusive system that prioritizes education for all—especially the most vulnerable.

September 24: Investing in Tomorrow – The AU Year of Education FAWE joined development partners, CSOs, and African governments to mark the African Union Year of Education. The discussions celebrated the continent’s educational progress while tackling key challenges through innovative strategies and partnerships. FAWE reaffirmed its dedication to transforming Africa’s education landscape, focusing on girls’ education, gender equality, and fostering leadership among young women.

September 24: Prioritizing Skills Development for Africa at the AU Mission At another key side event hosted by the AU’s ESTI Department, FAWE advocated for skills development through TVET programs as a critical driver for Africa’s progress. FAWE’s ongoing partnership with the Mastercard Foundation plays a significant role in this, as Phase II will prioritize access to higher education and vocational training for girls from marginalized communities, ensuring they acquire the skills needed to contribute meaningfully to the continent’s growth.

The Mastercard Foundation-FAWE partnership represents a dynamic force for change, driving education, empowerment, and equality for girls and young women across Africa. Through continued collaboration, this partnership will help shape a more inclusive, prosperous, and sustainable future for all.