Throughout my career including during my term as Executive Director for Canada, Ireland and the Caribbean at the World Bank Group, I have seen firsthand the impact of the global community’s investments in education and early learning.

I have met champions for education arguing passionately on behalf of children being left behind because of under-investment and lack of access for the most vulnerable. I have seen how educating girls has a profound ripple effect for health, economic growth and community resilience.

Whether it is in small island developing states like St. Lucia, in rural areas of Morocco or across sub-Saharan Africa, sustained investments in quality education are changing the lives of young girls and boys and unlocking the enormous potential of communities and countries.

The transformative power of education

Education has always been a transformative force, capable of breaking cycles of poverty and inequality.

Every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and reach their full potential, yet in many parts of the world, particularly in low-income and conflict-affected regions, this opportunity is not guaranteed.

Despite how obvious the business case for investment in education might be, the case must continue to be made and amplified. Experts are telling us that education is a sector in deepening crisis, less visible today than public health or climate change.

Yet, its potential to improve health and well-being, reduce poverty and mitigate climate impacts are better understood today than ever before. In fact, a recent World Bank Report indicates that financing education can lead to faster and better climate action by equipping young people with knowledge and green skills, thereby unlocking innovations for climate solutions.

Solving a global good crisis requires partnership

The need for strong partnerships is also clear — to build understanding, share evidence and accelerate results. GPE, in its mission to transform education, does just that.

Transforming education systems requires dedication, agility and a close working relationship among stakeholders.

The cross-sector collaboration that recognizes education as vital to the societal outcomes and public goods we’re striving for is key. Engaging with governments and local partners opens up possibilities to finance impactful innovations.

Experience tells me that whether working in the field of international development, trade relations or the environment, building strong, lasting partnerships is critical to making solutions durable.

One of GPE’s unique strengths and capabilities is in bringing perspectives together from civil society, the private sector, governments and international organizations and amplifying the voices of teachers, students and communities directly affected by educational disparities.

Through country journeys, we know the results and impact that partner countries are having in transforming education with GPE support, and we also know the stories of the millions of children who are in school and learning as a result.

Working towards a world where every child has access to a good education

For two decades, GPE has been in the business of investing funds and supporting solutions to build strong and resilient education systems in countries where education needs are the greatest. Simply put: ’A quality education for every child,’ no matter where they live, no matter their background. This is GPE’s vision.

It is a vision that I am excited to help advance. The work GPE and its partners do today will shape the future for millions of children worldwide, giving them the tools they need to succeed and contribute meaningfully to their societies.

Having the opportunity to contribute to the vision and mission of GPE through its effective governance and to work with GPE Chair, President Jakaya Kikwete, CEO Laura Frigenti and all partners to keep education a priority and a foundation to a more equal, sustainable and prosperous world for all, is an opportunity I cannot pass up.