The Minister of Education and Technical and Vocational Training, The Hon. Glenys Hanna Martin, delivered a speech at a Round Table during the Fifth United NationsConference on the Least Developed Countries (LDC5) in Qatar, on Monday, March 6th,2023 at the Qatar Convention Center. 

The event focused on discussing the ways to utilize science, technology, and innovation for the sustainable development of least developed countries. During her speech, Minister Hanna Martin highlighted the importance of providing access to education and technology to the people in least developed countries. 

She emphasized that education and technology are vital tools to uplift the poor and marginalized communities, and to achieve sustainable development. Minister Hanna Martin spoke about accelerating The Bahamas's technology agenda to provide internet access to all 140 schools nationwide, aiming to promote a rapid technological expansion.

“The pandemic, whilst precipitating a more rapid technological expansion has left a legacy of learning loss which we seek to remediate and accelerate.” she said.The Minister also spoke about the Ministry of Education and Technical and Vocational Training’s implementation of curriculum changes in Mathematics, Science, STEM, and coding in primary schools, stating that, “the Bahamian child must be equipped andready to meaningfully participate in the economy and global enterprise.

”Minister Hanna Martin emphasized the importance of continuing to advocate for the capitalization of Global Funds dedicated to the Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs), citing insufficient levels of investment in research and development, digital infrastructure enhancement, and other STEM thematic areas.

The speech of The Hon. Glenys Hanna Martin was well-received by the attendees and was regarded as an insightful contribution to the discussions on sustainable development. Her emphasis on education and technology as key drivers of development resonated with the audience, and her call for global cooperation and partnership was applauded.The Minister’s speech at the Round Table was a valuable contribution to thediscussions on sustainable development and highlighted the importance of education and technology in achieving the SDGs. Minister Hanna Martin was accompanied byTerrice L. Carey-Curry, Assistant Directorof Education (Acting), Professional Development Section, Department of Education.Also representing The Bahamas during the Fifth United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries (LDC5) in Qatar were Ms. Charmaine Williams, First Assistant Secretary, Head of Economic, Trade and Sustainable Development Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Dr. Lorraine Bastian, Ministry of Foreign Affairs., Consultant Administration. 

PHOTO CAPTION:

Front row, left: Ms. Terrice L. Carey-Curry, Assistant Director of Education (Acting), Professional Development Section, Department of Education; the Hon. Glenys Hanna Martin, Minister of Education and Technical and Vocational Training.  Second row, left: Ms. Charmaine Williams, First Assistant Secretary, Head of Economic, Trade and Sustainable Development Division, Ministry of Foreign affairs; and Dr. Lorraine Bastian, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Consultant Administration.