Annual Meeting 2025

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Maliwatch used its April 19, 2025 monthly meeting to advance preparations for its annual gathering in Washington, D.C., while reviewing the organization's finances and fundraising priorities. The meeting began at 1:10 p.m. Eastern Time (17:10 GMT) and brought together Aliou Haidara, Amadou Kane, Diola Bagayoko, Adam Ouologuem, Fad Seydou, Talatou Maiga, Mamadou Konate and Harouna Abdoulaye Maiga.

Education in Mali at the center of the 2025 annual meeting

Members confirmed plans for the annual meeting during Memorial Day weekend, May 24–25, with the general meeting scheduled for Sunday, May 25, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The theme will be “Education in Mali.” The program is designed to connect policy perspectives, scientific expertise and youth-led initiatives.

Planned sessions include an update on Mali's socio-political situation by H.E. Sékou Berthé; an update on the Maliwatch Youth Group's project on artificial intelligence in education, presented by Amadou Kane, Mamadou Konate and the Youth Group; and a presentation by Dr. Abdoulaye Doucoure on water, life and the supply and quality of water in Mali.

A central panel will examine the direction of education in Mali, with invitations planned for Education Minister Dr. Amadou Sy Savane and Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Professor Bouréma Kansaye. Professor Fad Seydou has agreed to contribute. The discussion will address challenges across primary, secondary and higher education, including student guidance between social sciences and the hard sciences, the naming and organization of academic fields, girls' enrollment and retention, youth and adult literacy, and teacher training.

Harouna Abdoulaye Maiga will contact Ambassador Sékou Berthé to facilitate invitations to the two ministers. Amadou Kane and Harouna will prepare the event flyer.

Treasury and fundraising

Treasurer Talatou Maiga reported no change in the account balance since the April 5 meeting. Maliwatch's balance stood at $2,448.78, including funds held for Maliwatch and MSAS. Fundraising was not discussed because of time constraints, and no other new issues were reported.

The meeting adjourned at 2:15 p.m. Eastern Time (18:15 GMT), with preparations continuing for a national conversation on the future of education in Mali.