The Groningen Declaration Network (GDN) Conference on Recognition of Academic and Professional Qualifications

The Groningen Declaration Network aims to foster collaboration and innovation to promote learner mobility and recognition of academic and professional qualifications worldwide. The objectives of the Conference were  follows:

i) Digital Mobility - discuss global digital student data portability to enable smooth and secure exchange of learning achievements across borders;

ii) Collaboration – bring together stakeholders from education, government, and industry to develop interoperable systems and frameworks that enhance global academic and professional mobility;

iii) Recognition of qualifications - promote the recognition of qualifications and prior learning to facilitate learners' transitions between education systems and employment  markets globally. 

Eswatini participated along two other SADC countries, South Africa and Zambia. The three countries presented their national narratives regarding the impact of National Qualifications Frameworks in enhancing learner mobility. The presentation also showed how alignment of NQFs with the Southern African Development Cooperation (SADC) Qualifications Framework and the African Continental Qualifications Framework (ACQF) is helping to streamline the recognition processes, enabling students to pursue further studies or work in different countries.