The latest GEM Report policy paper shows that for the sixth year in a row, the share of total aid going to education has dropped. Furthermore, while total development aid increased by 24% since 2010, aid to education decreased by 4% in the same period.

In light of these numbers, it is difficult to see how the world will meet the ambitious sustainable development goal for education.

Most donors are also turning their aid dollars away from the countries that need it most. In fact, the share of aid to basic education in low income countries fell by 13% between 2014 and 2015.

The GEM Report paper points out that “need should be the driver of aid”; it cites GPE funding as a positive model and underscores our replenishment as a crucial opportunity to effectively address the education funding gap.

In contrast to the general stagnation of aid to education, GPE disbursements increased by 14% on average from 2010-2015 and we are now the second-largest multilateral donor to basic and secondary education.

In 2015, GPE disbursements accounted for 12% of aid to basic and secondary education in partner countries, a share that has doubled since 2010.

Our simple allocation model, based on education sector needs and the income level of partner countries, is cited as effective:

With about 77% of its disbursements directed to sub-Saharan Africa and nearly 60% to countries affected by fragility or conflict, GPE is very effective in reaching countries that are most in need.

GPE is committed to continuing to provide support, financial and technical, to partner countries so that—through strong, equitable education systems—they can achieve their development goals.