Zambia Becomes Global Champion of Refugee Education with Highest UNESCO Passport Awards
Zambia has emerged as the world’s leading implementer of the UNESCO Qualifications Passport (UQP), having awarded the certification to 93 refugees, the highest number recorded globally. The initiative is helping displaced learners rebuild their academic and professional lives, even when original credentials have been lost due to conflict or disaster.
The UQP system provides a standardised evaluation of an individual’s education, work experience, and language proficiency, enabling refugees to pursue higher education and formal employment opportunities both in Zambia and internationally. Of the certified refugees, 53 have already secured admission into public universities across the country, marking a major milestone in inclusive education.
The announcement was made by Dr Kelvin Mambwe, Permanent Secretary for Educational Services at the Ministry of Education, during a side event titled “Higher Education in Emergencies: Unlocking Potential and Rebuilding Futures”, held on the margins of the 43rd Session of the UNESCO General Conference in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
The event, hosted by UNESCO’s Group of Friends for Education in Emergencies, explored strategies for safeguarding education access during humanitarian crises.
Dr Mambwe said Zambia’s progress reflects the success of its revised policy direction under the Zambia Qualifications Act, which mandates the Zambia Qualifications Authority (ZAQA) to support adaptable and inclusive qualification frameworks.
He noted that the UQP has strengthened the national skills base, promoted social inclusion, and empowered refugees to contribute to economic development.
“Zambia’s experience shows that with flexible policies, we can sustain education systems and build resilience even amid displacement and climate-related shocks,” he said.
UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Education, Ms Stefania Giannini, praised Zambia’s commitment, describing higher education in emergencies as critical to sustainable recovery and peacebuilding.
Zambia became the first country outside Europe to pilot the UQP when the programme launched in 2019 at Meheba Refugee Settlement. It is jointly implemented by the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security, and ZAQA, in partnership with UNESCO, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), and the Norwegian Agency for Quality Assurance in Education.
The success of the initiative positions Zambia as a regional leader in inclusive education and refugee empowerment, demonstrating that displaced learners can rebuild their futures when given fair access to opportunities.
