On September 9-10, the University of Professional Studies hosted the QS Africa Forum where over 4,000 people made of local and international delegates, academics, policy makers, business leaders, researchers students, among others gathered to deliberate on the theme: Empowering Africa’s Youth: Integrating Entrepreneurship, Future Skills, and AI/Technology in Education for a Sustainable Future.
Known globally for its renowned World University Ranking that shows the best performing universities in different areas, Quacquarelli Symonds, QS for short, is an international education firm that provides advisory services to institution of higher learning. The event which was the third edition of the QS Africa Forum, was first to be hosted in Ghana.
The QS Executive Director for the Africa and Middle East Region, Dr. Ashwin Fernanda highlighted in his opening remarks that the focus on the youth in this year’s event was to acknowledge their potential and the significant role they played in the development of the continent.
On his part as host partner, the Vice- Chancellor of UPSA, Prof. Abednego F.O Amartey stressed that “the youth were the future leaders of the continent, and therefore, there was the need for the youth centered policies and initiatives that would create the necessary conditions for them to thrive”.
The QS International Student Survey 2024 reports that 60% of African students are said to have personally used Generative AI technologies. Thus during a panel session of Day 2, on“Preparing Africa’s Youth for the Future of Work” experts discussed how to prepare students for advancements in Generative AI. According to academics surveyed for the QS Generative AI Academic Pulse Survey, analytical skills, problem-solving and active learning are the top three skills that will become more relevant with the advance of Generative AI.
Present at the 3rd QS Africa Forum were delegates from Central University: Dr. Kinsford Kissi Mireku and Ps. Reindorf Owusu-Bempah of the International Programs Office; Dr. Denise Duncan of the Faculty of Arts and Social Science; and Mr. Evans Adu-Gyamfi of the Corporate Affairs and Public Relations Directorate.