On Saturday, July 4, 2026, the UNESCO Office in Mali proudly participated in the awards ceremony for the 16^th Inter-Lycées Excellence Competition. Hosted at the École Nationale d’Ingénieurs Abderhamane Baba Touré (ENI-ABT) in Bamako, the event was held at the invitation of the ENI-ABT UNESCO Club. The gathering united students, university pupils, dedicated teachers, academic administrators, and key partners, all focused on promoting scientific and innovative excellence among Mali’s youth.

During his opening remarks, Dr. Kélétigui DAOU, the Director General of ENI-ABT, extended his gratitude to UNESCO for its involvement and lauded the Organization’s consistent dedication to education across Mali. He specifically highlighted UNESCO’s initiatives aimed at broadening access for girls to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields, alongside its unwavering support for scientific research and 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 16^th edition in recognizing academic merit and excellence. Furthermore, she emphasized the crucial role that UNESCO Clubs play in fostering values such as citizenship, peace, and sustainable development within communities.

Mme Oumou Dicko, UNESCO’s Science Programs Officer, offered her congratulations to both the organizers for a successful event and the students for their sustained commitment. She outlined various opportunities UNESCO provides to young individuals in research, including scholarships, mentorship programs, and participation in the Organization’s numerous international observances. Mme Dicko strongly encouraged students to deepen their engagement in science and innovation disciplines, thereby contributing meaningfully to the progress and development of their nation.