INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS ON EDUCATION IN MAURITANIA

Reforming the Education System for Development

Quality and Inclusion for Lifelong Learning

April 27-30, 2027

Mokhtar Ould Daddah Convention Center

Concept Note

1. Context

1.1. Education and Mauritania’s Efforts

Education is the cornerstone of human development, the achievement of sustainable development, and the strengthening of social and economic cohesion. In a context marked by the rapid transformations taking place in the world at the economic, technological, and social levels, the quality and inclusiveness of education, as well as its ability to prepare future generations, have become among the main determinants of the progress and prosperity of nations.

In this context, our country has, in recent years, embarked on a profound reform of its education system, aimed at improving the quality of learning, strengthening the principle of equity and equal opportunities, consolidating national unity, and preparing younger generations to meet the challenges of the twenty-first century.

This reform, which enjoys sponsorship and support at the highest level of the State, constitutes one of the main levers of the economic, social, and cultural transformation sought by Mauritania, in a global context marked by:

• the unprecedented acceleration of technological transformations;

• the growing development of artificial intelligence;

• increasing climate challenges;

• rapid changes in the labor market;

• the emergence of new citizenship requirements;

• the commitment to achieving the fourth Sustainable Development Goal relating to quality education.

It has, therefore, become necessary for Mauritania to develop a unifying national vision to build the school of the future, capable of responding to and accompanying these transformations. This requires continuing the national and international dialogue on the best ways to turn these efforts into sustainable and measurable results.

It is within this perspective that the organization of the International Conference on Education in Mauritania is situated. The Conference aims to become the main national and international scientific forum devoted to education and teaching issues. It will bring together policymakers, researchers, technical and financial partners, teachers, local authorities, civil society organizations, and the private sector to discuss strategic education issues and formulate operational recommendations contributing to accelerating the pace of education system reform. It is within this framework that the International Conference on Education in Mauritania is being organized.

1.2. Context Statement

The congress’s central issue revolves around the following question: how can Mauritania build an inclusive, equitable, and high-quality education system capable of responding to economic, social, and technological transformations, and preparing generations equipped with the knowledge, skills, and values needed to build the country’s future?

Within this framework, several questions arise, including:

• How can equal opportunities in education and its quality be guaranteed for all children and young people?

• How can educational programs and curricula be developed in line with the needs of society and the labor market?

• What role should teachers play in the school of the future?

• How can digitalization and artificial intelligence be leveraged to develop education?

• How can higher education and scientific research be improved and linked to development?

• How can the partnership between the State, society, the private sector, and international partners in the field of education be strengthened?

• What means can transform education reforms into concrete and sustainable results?

2. Objectives

• Diagnose the situation of the education system in Mauritania through an analysis of the results of the education reforms undertaken.

• Examine the challenges facing the different levels of education, from basic education to higher education and vocational training.

• Present international best practices that could be adapted and put to use.

• Strengthen the link between scientific research and educational decision-making.

• Support international cooperation in the field of education.

• Highlight pioneering national experiences and innovative initiatives in education.

• Strengthen dialogue and coordination among the various ministries concerned.

• Mobilize civil society to contribute to the development of education.

• Consolidate partnerships with international organizations working in the field of education.

• Develop strategic recommendations for the Government to support the education reform process.

3. Scientific Themes

No.	Theme	Sub-theme / Topic
1	State of Education in Mauritania	• The Republican School: Reality and Ambition • The Framework Law and Current Challenges • Educational Governance and Leadership • Education Financing and Resource Rationalization
2	Quality of Education and Learning	• Development of Curricula and Educational Programs • Competency-Based Education • Development of Teaching Methods • Assessment and Quality Assurance • Development of Critical and Creative Thinking Skills • Citizenship and Values Education
3	Digital Transformation of Education	• Digitalization of Education • Distance and Blended Learning • Artificial Intelligence and Educational Applications • Preparing Learners for the Jobs of the Future • Safe and Ethical Use of Technology • Educational Innovation • Cybersecurity
4	Teacher Training	• Initial Training • Continuing Training • Professional Development • Educational Leadership
5	Higher Education and Scientific Research	• Quality of Higher Education • Alignment of Training Programs with Labor Market Needs • Scientific Research and Innovation • Partnerships between Universities and Production Companies • Support for Researchers and Young Innovators
6	Vocational Training	• Development of Vocational Training • Skills Required in the Labor Market • Entrepreneurship • Youth Employability • Partnership with the Private Sector
7	Traditional / Original Education	• Modernization of Traditional Education • Integration of the Different Components of the Education System • Innovation in Curricula and Teaching Practices
8	Inclusive Education	• Gender • Persons with Disabilities • Equity and Equal Opportunities • Vulnerable Groups
9	Successful International Experiences	• Successful International Experiences • Practices Suitable for Adoption • Adaptation of International Experiences to the Mauritanian Context • International Cooperation in Education

4. Expected Outcomes

The Congress is expected to enable:

• The scientific publication of the Conference proceedings and its recommendations.

• The creation of an international network of researchers on education issues to strengthen scientific cooperation and the exchange of experiences.

• The formulation of strategic recommendations for the Government to support and develop education policies.

• The establishment of a permanent platform for dialogue and consultation among the various national and international stakeholders in the field of education and teaching.

5. Congress Methodology

The methodology of the Congress is based on:

• Theoretical presentations

• Discussions

• Group work

6. Organizing Committees

Committee	Members	Missions
High Patronage Committee	The Presidency of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, represented in accordance with the arrangements it determines; as well as senior figures to whom the Presidency may decide to grant patronage or institutional support.	Ensure the institutional high patronage of the Conference and strengthen its status and visibility at the national and international levels.
Higher Congress Committee	Chaired by the Director of the Center for Educational Studies and Research, it includes representatives of: the Ministry of Social Action, Childhood and Family; the Ministry of Education and Education System Reform; the Ministry of Vocational Training, Crafts and Trades; the Ministry of Islamic Affairs and Traditional Education; the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research; the Ministry of Culture, Arts, Communication and Relations with Parliament; the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Employment, Sports and Civil Service; international partners; employers; the National Federation of Parents’ Associations of Pupils and Students; local authorities; private education; and civil society organizations working in the field of education.	Ensure the overall strategic direction of the Conference; adopt the general theme, objectives, and main themes; approve the general program; ensure institutional coordination among partners; and supervise the preparations and conduct of the Conference proceedings.
Scientific Committee	Mauritanian and international academics and researchers; experts in education sciences; scientific representatives of the Center for Educational Studies and Research; experts from the ministries concerned; and specialists in the various themes of the Conference.	Develop and refine the scientific themes; prepare the call for papers; define scientific selection criteria; evaluate abstracts and papers; select speakers; propose keynote speakers; structure sessions, seminars, and round tables; appoint moderators and scientific rapporteurs; ensure scientific quality and integrity; supervise the preparation of the synthesis of results; develop scientific recommendations; and contribute to the selection and validation of the Conference proceedings for publication.
Organizing Committee	A president or general coordinator; representatives of the Center for Educational Studies and Research; representatives of institutions participating in the organization; the Conference general secretariat; and the presidents or coordinators of the various executive committees.	Translate the directions of the Higher Committee into an operational plan; prepare the overall schedule; coordinate the work of all subcommittees; allocate responsibilities; ensure daily monitoring of progress; guarantee logistical coordination; identify material and human resource needs; manage the operational program; ensure coordination among the scientific, institutional, and technical bodies; organize periodic coordination meetings; and prepare the general organizational report.
Information and Communication Committee	Communication officers from the Center and partner institutions; journalists; digital communication specialists; social media managers; graphic designers; photographers; and specialists in photography and video production.	Develop and implement the communication plan; develop the visual identity of the Conference; prepare press releases and press kits; manage media relations; ensure communication through social media and digital platforms; produce posters, invitations, and promotional materials; guarantee photographic and audiovisual coverage; organize interviews; monitor media coverage and measure its reach; and prepare a report on the media coverage and visibility of the Conference.
Reception Committee	Ceremony and protocol specialist; representatives of the relevant protocol services; representatives of the Center; persons responsible for accompanying official figures; liaison officers; reception coordinator; Center and partner staff; trained students or volunteers; orientation staff; and the accreditation and registration team.	Prepare participant lists; organize registration and accreditation; welcome national and international delegations; guide participants; manage badges and participant bags; set up information and guidance desks; accompany guests to the various rooms; and coordinate, where necessary, arrival, departure, transportation, and accommodation with the entity responsible for protocol.
Exhibition Committee	Exhibition manager; representatives of the Center; event organization specialists; exhibitor coordinators; representatives of educational institutions, training centers, universities, educational technology (EdTech) companies, publishing houses, and partners.	Design the overall exhibition plan; identify and mobilize exhibitors; allocate booths; define participation conditions; coordinate the arrangement of spaces and installation of signage; organize booths and thematic spaces; coordinate with exhibitors; schedule presentations and practical demonstrations; supervise the opening and closing of the exhibition; and prepare an assessment of attendance and participation levels.
Partnerships and Resource Mobilization Committee	Representatives of the Center responsible for partnerships; representatives of institutions; resource mobilization specialists; international relations officers; private-sector representatives; and persons experienced in relations with technical and financial partners.	Develop the partnership and resource mobilization strategy; identify potential partners; prepare partnership and sponsorship dossiers; communicate with international organizations, companies, and institutions; negotiate financial, material, and technical contributions; define partnership categories and levels; monitor commitments; ensure compliance with the benefits related to partners’ institutional visibility; and develop sustainable partnerships beyond the Conference.
Translation and Interpretation Committee	Professional translators in Arabic, French, and English; conference interpreters; language editors; terminology specialists; and a language coordinator.	Translate the official Conference documents; translate programs, abstracts, and supporting materials; organize simultaneous or consecutive interpretation; harmonize educational and scientific terminology; revise the versions in the different languages; support international speakers; and collaborate with the Scientific Committee and the Publication Committee to ensure the linguistic quality of the outputs.
Technical and IT Committee	IT engineers and technicians; audiovisual support technicians; network specialists; sound technicians; digital platform managers; and cybersecurity and technical support specialists.	Set up IT and audiovisual equipment; secure sound and projection systems; manage the Internet connection; install interpretation equipment; manage electronic recording; provide live streaming and remote participation, where applicable; secure backups; provide technical support to speakers; establish a contingency plan in case of failure; and ensure the security and protection of the Conference’s digital data.
Publication and Documentation Committee	Publication officer at the Center for Educational Studies and Research; documentalists; scientific editors; copyeditors and reviewers; layout designers; representatives of the Scientific Committee; and archive managers.	Collect and classify scientific papers and documents; prepare the book of abstracts; prepare documents for participants; ensure paper and digital archiving; prepare the Conference proceedings for publication; coordinate review and editing; manage publication licenses; index and preserve outputs; publish the recommendations and final report; and contribute to the scientific promotion of the best papers through the Center’s publications.
Finance Committee	Administrative and financial manager; accountant; authorized representative of the Center for Educational Studies and Research; financial representatives of entities participating in the organization, where applicable; and the person responsible for monitoring the budget and supporting expenditure documentation.	Prepare the consolidated provisional budget of the Conference; establish the budget for each activity; monitor commitments and expenditures; ensure traceability of mobilized resources; monitor partner contributions; verify supporting financial documents and records; prepare periodic financial reports and statements; monitor compliance with approved financial procedures; prepare the Conference’s financial statement; and contribute to the presentation of financial reports and accountability to the relevant partners.

7. Congress Languages

• Arabic

• French

• English

8. Provisional Schedule

Period	Activity
September 2026	Establishment of the organizing and scientific committees
October 2026	Official launch of the Conference
November 2026	Announcement of the opening of the submission period for abstracts and scientific papers
January 2027	Evaluation and selection of accepted research papers
February 2027	Confirmation of the participation of international speakers and experts
March 2027	Publication of the final scientific program
April 2027	Finalization of organizational and logistical arrangements
End of April 2027	Holding of the Conference
May 2027	Publication of the Conference proceedings and dissemination of its recommendations

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