On July 24, 2025, the Global Network Program (GNP) hosted a seminar titled “UNICEF Programmes for Equity and Inclusion in West & Central Africa Region: From UNICEF Staff's Experience in the Education Sector.”

The seminar welcomed Ms. Ikuko Shimizu, Education Specialist at UNICEF. Drawing on her professional experience in the education sector, Ms. Shimizu discussed UNICEF’s efforts to promote equity and inclusion in education across the West and Central Africa region.

In her lecture, Ms. Shimizu introduced the educational disparities faced by children in West and Central Africa due to various factors, including poverty, gender, geographic location, disability, conflict, and social instability. She particularly emphasized the importance of focusing on children who are most likely to be left behind in education, including those who are unable to attend school and those who are enrolled but do not have adequate opportunities to learn.

Ms. Shimizu also discussed UNICEF’s education programmes designed to address these challenges. She explained that UNICEF’s approach focuses not only on expanding access to education but also on promoting equity and inclusion to ensure that all children have opportunities to receive quality education. She further highlighted the importance of collaboration among national governments, schools, local communities, international organizations, and other stakeholders in making education systems more inclusive.

Drawing on her experience working on education programmes at UNICEF, Ms. Shimizu also shared insights into how international organizations identify challenges on the ground and translate them into concrete programmes and policy support. She emphasized the importance of designing and implementing interventions based on data and local realities while taking into account the different educational challenges and social contexts of each country and region, particularly in order to reach children in the most vulnerable situations.

Following the lecture, a Q&A session was held with participating students, featuring an exchange of views on educational disparities and inclusive education in West and Central Africa, UNICEF’s support for education, and professional work in the education sector within international organizations. The seminar provided a valuable opportunity for participants to deepen their understanding of the educational challenges facing West and Central Africa and to learn, from a practical perspective, about UNICEF’s role in ensuring equitable and inclusive educational opportunities for all children.