Center for International Cooperation in Education Development (CICED)

The Center participated in a series of UNESCO webinars on strengthening leadership among ministry officials in developing countries and their role in resolving the education crisis stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic. A series of webinars was held from March 7 to March 16, 2022. The geographical focus of the webinars included the participation of representatives of ministries and other government organizations of the Central Asia and Africa region. The total number of webinar participants exceeded 400 people. A total of 3 webinars were held on the following topics:

1. Using a systems approach to understand and strengthen ministry of education leadership in times of crisis.
2. Strengthening system capacity for Ministry of Education leadership in times of crisis.
3. Strengthening the training system for the leadership of the Ministry of Education in times of crisis.

After each webinar, the participants were offered a discussion on topical issues presented as part of the speeches of key speakers. The webinars were interactive and educational in nature, participants and experts collectively discussed and reflected on how to improve systemic learning at all levels of the Ministry of Education before, during and after crises.

Participants also had the opportunity to share their experiences in evidence-based decision-making during small group discussions. Participants were asked to reflect on leadership using data related to the crisis and considering the experience of the most disadvantaged groups. They also gained insight into how multi-stakeholder partnerships can help ministries of education take leadership roles in times of crisis.