Responding to an invitation from the UNESCO Club at the École Nationale d’Ingénieurs Abderhamane Baba Touré (ENI-ABT), the UNESCO Office in Mali proudly participated in the awards ceremony for the 16th Inter-High School Excellence Competition. Held at the ENI-ABT campus, this annual contest serves as a vital platform for encouraging scientific aptitude and innovation among Malian youth.

During his opening remarks, Dr. Kélétigui DAOU, Director General of ENI-ABT, expressed profound gratitude for UNESCO’s involvement in this pivotal event. He commended the Organization’s unwavering dedication to advancing education across Mali, specifically highlighting UNESCO’s initiatives that champion girls’ participation in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields, alongside its broader commitment to fostering scientific research and innovation among young people.

The ceremony also featured a compelling address from the Secretary-General of the ENI-ABT UNESCO Club. She underscored the profound significance of this 16th edition, emphasizing its role in recognizing academic merit and cultivating excellence. Furthermore, she highlighted how UNESCO Clubs are instrumental in instilling values of citizenship, peace, and sustainable development within communities.

Ms. Oumou Dicko, UNESCO’s Science Programs Officer, extended her congratulations to the organizers for the event’s success and applauded the students for their consistent dedication. She outlined various invaluable opportunities UNESCO provides for young people in research, including scholarships, mentorship programs, and engagement in the Organization’s numerous international observances. Ms. Dicko strongly encouraged students to deepen their involvement in scientific and innovative disciplines, stressing their crucial role in driving Mali’s national development.