Our Chief Guest, the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa
Honourable Ministers,
Distinguished Delegates in your respective capacities
Ladies and Gentlemen,
All Protocol Observed

On behalf of the Joint Organising Committee, I welcome you all to the closing session of the Conference. In a special way, I thank our Chief Guest for accepting to join us this morning, despite his very busy schedule. Thank you very much Rt. Hon.

As we draw this historic First Regional Ministerial Conference on the East African Community Common Higher Education Area to a close, it is my distinct honour, on behalf of the Organising Committee, to extend heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you for your invaluable contributions.

Over the past 2 days, we have engaged in intense discussions, constructive deliberations, and forward-looking reflections on the future of higher education within our region. Together, we have examined critical issues affecting the harmonisation, quality assurance, mutual recognition of qualifications, and the mobility of students and staff across our Partner States. These engagements have laid a strong foundation for the realisation of a truly integrated EAC Higher Education Area.

Allow me to acknowledge with appreciation the following:

The First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, for convening this Conference

HE the President of the republic of Uganda, for delivering such a rich Keynote Address, and officially opening the Conference

The Honourable Ministers of Education from our Partner States, for honouring us with their presence and instructive contributions

The Keynote speakers, presenters, panelists, and discussants, whose insights have enriched our collective understanding of issues at hand, and session chairpersons for guiding the sessions

The Secretariat of IUCEA for excellent coordination

All partners and sponsors for the financial contributions towards the organization of the Conference

And finally, the Joint Organising Committee, who worked tirelessly to ensure success of the conference

Ladies and gentlemen, we have reaffirmed our shared commitment to the ideals of integration, academic excellence, and sustainable development through education.

As we depart from this Conference, let resolutions and commitments we have made here be translated into tangible actions in our respective countries. It is through action that we will nurture a higher education system that is regionally integrated, globally competitive, and responsive to the aspirations of our people in the region.

Chief Guest, soon, the IUCEA Executive Secretary, Professor Gasper Banyakimbona, will be leaving us. He will be joining the AU Commission as Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation. The Departure is no doubt a loss to IUCEA. But it is a gain for the EA region. We wish Professor Banyakimbona the very best in that important assignment.

Lastly, I wish you all safe travels back to your respective countries. May the partnerships and friendships forged here continue to flourish as we move together toward a stronger and more vibrant East African Community Common Higher Education Area.

Thank you. Asante sana. Merci beaucoup.

Professor Mary J.N. Okwakol
Chairperson, Forum of CEOs of National Councils and Commissions for Higher Education