In Washington, Canada’s Minister of International Development and La Francophonie Christian Paradis announced a financial contribution of 120 million Canadian dollars (US$98 million) to the Global Partnership for Education toward the 2015-2018 replenishment period, doubling Canada’s previous contribution on an annual basis.

"Securing a better future for children and youth is a key priority for Canada. Access to education is a fundamental tool to ensure our mission is successful. One of our key partners in this area is the Global Partnership for Education, a multilateral organization doing outstanding work to provide the world's poorest and most vulnerable children with an education," said Minister Paradis.

Minister Paradis also announced 10 million Canadian dollars (US$8 million) for UNICEF, a close partner of the Global Partnership for Education, to support education and child protection in humanitarian situations around the world.

The Government of Canada is concerned about the low level of financing available for education in crisis or humanitarian contexts and looks forward to building on the strength of the Global Partnership’s existing efforts.  More than half of the Global Partnership’s financing in 2014 went to fragile and conflict-affected countries.