On Saturday, July 4, 2026, the UNESCO Office in Mali proudly attended the award ceremony for the 16th Inter-School Excellence Competition, hosted at the École Nationale d’Ingénieurs Abderhamane Baba Touré (ENI-ABT). This significant event, organized by the ENI-ABT UNESCO Club, convened a diverse assembly of students, teachers, academic officials, and key partners. Its core mission was to cultivate and celebrate excellence among Malian youth, particularly within the vital fields of science and innovation, crucial for West Africa’s development.

During his opening address, Dr. Kélétigui DAOU, the Director General of ENI-ABT, extended his sincere gratitude to UNESCO for its valuable participation. He commended the Organization’s consistent dedication to advancing education across Mali. Dr. DAOU specifically highlighted UNESCO’s proactive initiatives aimed at increasing girls’ access to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) disciplines, alongside its efforts to foster scientific research and innovation among young people.

A key moment of the ceremony was the address by the Secretary-General of the ENI-ABT UNESCO Club. She underscored the profound importance of this 16th edition in recognizing and rewarding academic merit and outstanding achievement. Furthermore, she reiterated the pivotal role played by UNESCO Clubs in instilling values of citizenship, promoting peace, and advocating for sustainable development.

Mme Oumou Dicko, UNESCO’s Science Program Officer, offered her congratulations to both the organizers for a successful event and to the students for their unwavering commitment. She took the opportunity to outline various avenues UNESCO provides for young individuals in research, including scholarship opportunities, mentorship programs, and active participation in the international observances championed by the Organization. Mme Dicko strongly encouraged students to deepen their engagement in science and innovation-focused subjects, emphasizing their potential to significantly contribute to their nation’s progress and the broader Sahel region.