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Richard Class-Peters joins World Bank AGORA conference in Italy
•2 min read•2 sources
Richard Class-Peters, the President of the Graduate Students Association of Ghana (GRASAG), has been invited by the World Bank Group to participate in the AGORA conference in Palermo, Italy. The summit, which focuses on skills development and economic growth, addresses the critical mismatch between African tertiary education and the requirements of the modern job market. Class-Peters joined international stakeholders to discuss aligning academic curricula with industry needs to foster sustainable employment for Africa's expanding working-age population.
During the conference, Class-Peters emphasized the necessity of equipping youth with relevant skills in high-growth sectors such as energy and agribusiness. He highlighted that bridging the gap between education and industry is essential for driving regional innovation and economic transformation. By focusing on practical training and job creation strategies, the AGORA initiative seeks to improve the economic outlook for millions of young Africans entering the workforce.
A significant portion of the GRASAG President's advocacy centered on the need for sustainable funding for agricultural research across the continent. He argued that consistent investment in innovation is vital for enhancing crop productivity and ensuring long-term food security. According to Class-Peters, increased support for research will empower African nations to reduce their reliance on food imports and stimulate local economic development within farming communities.
Furthermore, Class-Peters called for the empowerment of local farmers through the strengthening of cooperatives, which he identified as key to improving agricultural efficiency. He noted that the integration of research findings into practical farming methods would lead to more resilient food systems. The conference serves as a pivotal platform for these discussions, aiming to ensure that educational and research investments translate into tangible economic benefits for the African continent.
