Global Learning Conference 2026 in Africa

Date: February 19–20, 2026
Location: Kigali Convention Centre, Kigali, Rwanda

The Global Learning Conference 2026 in Africa brings together leading educators, entrepreneurs, policymakers, innovators, and experts to shape the future of learning. Hosted in Kigali, this two-day conference explores how technology, artificial intelligence, and planetary boundaries intersect with education systems worldwide.

This unique event encourages cross-sector collaboration to design resilient pathways for learning and education, sparking innovations that respond to the most pressing global challenges. The conference is co-hosted by the Rwanda Ministry of Education and powered by the Villars Institute.

Why Attend

• Engage with global leaders shaping educational innovation
• Explore how AI and technology transform teaching and learning
• Examine planetary boundaries and education’s role in sustainability
• Connect with a diverse community of change makers and thought leaders

Key Themes

The conference addresses two major forces shaping the future of learning:

1. Artificial Intelligence and Technology: How AI and digital innovation change the way we teach, work, and live, and how education systems can adapt to the opportunities and risks of accelerating technological change.
2. Planetary Boundaries: Understanding Earth’s limits and how education can empower leaders and learners to thrive within sustainable boundaries and drive systemic change.

Featured Leaders and Speakers

• Michelle Gyles-McDonnough — Executive Director, United Nations Institute for Training and Research
• Lee Howell — Executive Director, Villars Institute
• Bitange Ndemo — Ambassador of Kenya to the European Union
• Subra Suresh — President, Global Learning Council
• Claudette Irere — Minister of State for Education, Rwanda
• Illah Nourbakhsh — Professor & Executive Director, Carnegie Mellon University
• Taniya Mishra — CEO, SureStart
• RCM Reddy — MD & CEO, Schoolnet India Limited
• Gururaj (Desh) Deshpande — Co-Founder & Chairman, Deshpande Foundation
• Meagan Carnahan — Entrepreneur in Residence & Executive Advisor on Climate Justice, CARE USA
• Amina Mohamed — Patron, ALIVE Foundation
• Wawira Njiru — Founder & CEO, Food4Education

Conference Details

• Dates: February 19–20, 2026
• Location: Kigali Convention Centre, Convention Centre Roundabout, Kigali, Rwanda
• Participation Fee: USD 450 (includes conference access, meals, and coffee breaks, as well as access to the Kigali Genocide Memorial)
• Application Deadline: January 11, 2026

The conference is limited to 300 participants and is by invitation only. Interested attendees must complete the application form. Selected participants will receive an official invitation by February 2, 2026.

Registration and Participation

Participants are responsible for arranging and covering their own travel and accommodation. The participation fee covers conference entry, meals, and coffee breaks.

This event is a chance to contribute to global conversations about the future of learning, innovation in education, and sustainability.