Dominica’s Minister for Education, Human Resource Planning, Vocational Training and National Excellence, Octavia Alfred, will assume the role of Chair of the OECS Council of Ministers: Education when the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission hosts its 10th Meeting (COM: Edu) on September 25–26, 2025, at the State House Conference Center in Roseau.
The meeting will bring together Ministers of Education and senior education officials from across the OECS region for strategic discussions aimed at advancing the goals outlined in the OECS Education Sector Strategy (OESS) 2012–2026.
Developed in response to the unique needs of Small Island Developing States, the OESS provides a roadmap for harmonised and impactful education reform across Member States. The COM: Edu meeting will facilitate robust dialogue and knowledge exchange on shared priorities, including inclusive education, quality learning outcomes, and system-wide reform. Ministers will also engage development partners and regional agencies to deepen collaboration on education initiatives.
The 2025 Council of Ministers: Education (COM: Edu) meeting will serve as a pivotal platform for advancing the regional education agenda. Grounded in the OECS Education Sector Strategy (OESS) and the broader vision for sustainable human development across the region, the meeting will seek to:
- Advance the transformation of education systems across the OECS by aligning Member State efforts with the strategic priorities of the OESS, emphasising the modernisation of the primary curriculum, strengthening early grade assessment systems, expanding equitable access to quality early childhood education (ECE), deepening inclusive education practices, and cultivating innovation and future-ready skills for all learners.
- Accelerate and sustain the OECS Digital Learning Ecosystem through coordinated action to expand digital infrastructure, improve access to devices and connectivity, integrate high-quality digital content and platforms, and strengthen educator and learner digital competencies to enhance equity and resilience in teaching and learning.
- Strengthen strategic collaboration with regional and international development partners, fostering deeper alignment of technical expertise, financial support, and policy dialogue to drive implementation of shared education priorities and catalyse systemic change across the region.
- Facilitate structured sharing of best practices and innovations, enabling Member States to learn from each other’s successes, scale proven strategies, and foster greater harmonisation, coherence, and efficiency in addressing common educational challenges across the OECS.
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