Dr Jako Olivier, Education Specialist: Higher Education at COL, recently visited Pretoria, South Africa, where he engaged with colleagues from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) and Council on Higher Education (CHE) to share insights and explore potential areas of collaboration.
Discussions focused on shared priorities, including micro-credentials, qualifications recognition, quality assurance and digital innovation, as well as opportunities to strengthen skills recognition and create more flexible learning pathways. These exchanges laid a valuable foundation for future partnerships aimed at expanding access to quality education and lifelong learning opportunities.
From tackling sargassum seaweed and coastal resilience to exploring solutions for food security and biodiversity, young innovators across the Caribbean are putting their skills and creativity to work on blue-green challenges facing their communities.
Earlier this week, they presented their robotics prototypes and research to Commonwealth leaders at the #CHOGM2026 Youth Forum in Antigua and Barbuda. Behind these innovations are months of learning and collaboration, reflected in a growing collection of youth-developed resources, including a youth-led journal, pre-recorded presentations from select teams and recordings of webinars led by the research, media and advocacy cohorts.
The showcase was part of COL’s Pan-Caribbean Youth Robotics Innovation Project for Blue-Green Resilience and Prosperity, implemented in partnership with Antigua and Barbuda’s Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, with support from GIZ on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development.
Following a successful #CHOGM2026 in Antigua and Barbuda, Commonwealth leaders now have an opportunity to build on the discussions, partnerships and commitments made to deliver lasting results.
COL’s 12 concrete opportunities for action offer a practical starting point. From transforming learning systems and connecting education with livelihoods to developing digital, green, blue and creative economy skills, harnessing technology responsibly, and advancing climate resilience, gender equality and the priorities of small states, the focus now is on turning shared ambitions into practical action that supports the Commonwealth’s 2.7 billion citizens.
Explore the opportunities for action through COL’s interactive CHOGM microsite and let us know where you plan to make a difference: www.col.org/chogm26
Dr Jako Olivier, Education Specialist: Higher Education at COL, recently visited Pretoria, South Africa, where he engaged with colleagues from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) and Council on Higher Education (CHE) to share insights and explore potential areas of
From tackling sargassum seaweed and coastal resilience to exploring solutions for food security and biodiversity, young Caribbean innovators are putting their skills and creativity to work on blue-green challenges.
Earlier this week, they presented their robotics prototypes and
Following a successful #CHOGM2026 in Antigua and Barbuda, Commonwealth leaders now have an opportunity to build on the discussions, partnerships and commitments made to deliver lasting results.
COL’s 12 concrete opportunities for action offer a practical starting point. From
As new industries emerge, economies evolve and climate challenges grow, #CHOGM2026 presents an opportunity to invest in the skills people need to access new opportunities and build sustainable livelihoods.
COL`s talking points on creating skills for livelihoods urge Commonwealth leaders and decision-makers to expand digital skills for youth and strengthen skills development across the green, blue and orange economies, opening pathways to employment, entrepreneurship and more resilient communities.
These priorities focus on turning the Commonwealth`s rich resources, from agriculture and oceans to creativity and culture, into opportunities for skills development, innovation and sustainable livelihoods.
Follow the links on each card to explore the individual talking points, or read COL`s full set of recommendations at the link in our bio. #COL4D #FutureSkills #SkillsForWork @commonwealth_sec
Changing learning systems to build a more skilled and resilient Commonwealth must be part of the conversation at #CHOGM2026.
As technology advances, the impacts of climate change intensify, and the skills needed for work evolve, education systems must adapt to prepare people for a changing world.
Under a broader call to change learning systems, COL advocates for more flexible, inclusive learning that builds future-ready skills, empowers teachers for the digital age, strengthens connections between education and employment, and expands lifelong learning opportunities.
Visit the handles on each card to explore the individual talking points, or discover our broader points for discussion. The link is in our bio.
With #CHOGM2026 just days away, leaders from across the Commonwealth are preparing to gather in Antigua and Barbuda to advance partnerships and investment for a more prosperous future.
That`s why we`ve put together 15 strategic talking points and 12 concrete opportunities for action in our new publication, Learning to accelerate in partnership.
From transforming education systems and expanding flexible learning to developing digital, green, blue and creative economy skills, our focus is on equipping young people with the skills to learn, lead, work and thrive.
Our challenge to CHOGM delegates and decision-makers: Explore the talking points, ask the difficult questions and come ready to act. How can partnerships make the greatest difference and ensure no one is left behind?
Explore our talking points and help turn shared ambitions into practical action. The link is in our bio.
