The event convened students, scholars, educators, academic leaders, and various partners, all united in their commitment to fostering excellence among Malian youth in the critical fields of science and innovation.
The UNESCO Office in Mali proudly joined the 16th Inter-High School Excellence Competition awards ceremony on Saturday, July 4, 2026. Hosted by the UNESCO Club of the École Nationale d’Ingénieurs Abderhamane Baba Touré (ENI-ABT), this prestigious event at ENI-ABT brought together a diverse assembly of students, educators, academic leaders, and collaborators. Its core mission was to champion outstanding achievement among Malian youth, particularly within the vital fields of science and innovation.
During his opening remarks, Dr. Kélétigui DAOU, Director General of ENI-ABT, extended gratitude to UNESCO for its presence and unwavering commitment to education across Mali. He specifically highlighted UNESCO’s impactful initiatives, which include enhancing girls’ participation in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) disciplines, alongside nurturing scientific research and fostering innovation among young people.
The ceremony also featured an address from the Secretary General of the ENI-ABT UNESCO Club. She underscored the profound significance of this 16th edition in recognizing academic merit and celebrating scholastic excellence. Furthermore, she emphasized the crucial role that UNESCO Clubs play in cultivating values such as active citizenship, peace, and sustainable development.
Mme Oumou Dicko, the Science Programs Officer, offered her congratulations to the organizers for the successful execution of this year’s event and commended the students for their sustained dedication. She outlined various research opportunities available to young individuals through UNESCO, including scholarships, mentorship programs, and engagement in the Organization’s numerous international observances. Her message strongly urged students to deepen their involvement in science and innovation-focused fields to actively contribute to Mali’s national development.
