The event will contribute to the vision outlined in Agenda 2063 – ‘The Africa We Want’.

It is also guided by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its pledge to 'leave no one behind', while taking into consideration the report of the International Commission on the Futures of Education 'Reimagining our futures together: A new social contract for education'.

  The Forum will highlight the contributions of UNESCO’s Priority Africa Flagship programme ‘Campus Africa: Reinforcing higher education in Africa’ and the China Funds-in-Trust project (CFIT III), which supports higher technical ;The event is also an opportunity to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the adoption of the Revised Convention on the Recognition of Studies, Certificates, Diplomas, Degrees and Other Academic Qualifications in Higher Education in African States (Addis Convention).