Unesco Mali champions academic excellence in youth science competition
In a significant push for educational advancement, UNESCO Mali recently joined the 16th Inter-High School Excellence Competition, an initiative spearheaded by the UNESCO Club of the École Nationale d’Ingénieurs Abderhamane Baba Touré (ENI-ABT). This pivotal event brought together a diverse group of students, educators, academic leaders, and partners, all united by a common goal: to foster excellence among Malian youth in the vital fields of science and innovation.
On Saturday, July 4, 2026, the UNESCO Office in Mali attended the awards ceremony for the 16th Inter-High School Excellence Competition, held at the ENI-ABT. This participation was at the direct invitation of the ENI-ABT UNESCO Club, underscoring the collaborative spirit aimed at nurturing academic talent.
During his inaugural address, Dr. Kélétigui DAOU, the Director General of ENI-ABT, extended his gratitude to UNESCO for its involvement and commended the Organization’s unwavering dedication to education in Mali. He specifically highlighted UNESCO’s crucial efforts in encouraging girls to pursue STIM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields, alongside its broader commitment to advancing scientific research and innovation among young people.
The ceremony also featured an address by the Secretary General of the ENI-ABT UNESCO Club. She emphasized the profound importance of this 16th edition in recognizing and celebrating academic merit and excellence. Furthermore, she reiterated the vital role that UNESCO Clubs play in instilling values of citizenship, peace, and sustainable development within the community.
Mme Oumou Dicko, UNESCO’s Programs Officer for Sciences, offered her congratulations to the organizers for a successful event and praised the students for their consistent dedication. She outlined various opportunities provided by UNESCO to young individuals in research, including scholarships, mentorship programs, and avenues for participating in the numerous international days observed by the Organization. Mme Dicko passionately encouraged both high school students and university undergraduates to deepen their engagement in scientific and innovative disciplines, thereby contributing meaningfully to their nation’s progress.
