PARIS, December 5, 2017 – The Global Partnership for Education (GPE) strongly welcomes the European Commission’s announcement that it will provide 287.5 million euros for the 2018-2020 period. (approx US$350m)
The announcement, made today by Commissioner Mimica, included a top-up of 100 million euros. It was received with applause at the opening of the GPE Board Meeting in Paris, just two months prior to GPE’s Financing Conference in Dakar, Senegal.
“The European Commission is leading by example to the donor community and I congratulate Commissioner Mimica for today’s announcement,” said Julia Gillard, GPE Board Chair. “Global momentum is growing to achieve education for all. GPE has an ambitious plan for change. To enable realization of that plan, we have asked donors to significantly step up their financial support. I am delighted that the European Commission has agreed to our full funding request.”
The new commitment will help bring quality education to some of the most marginalized children and young people around the world.
"Our action can make a real change for the hundreds of millions of girls and boys around the world who are not going to school,” said Neven Mimica, European Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development. “I call on other partners to follow our ambition by increasing support to the Global Partnership for Education, which effectively reaches millions of marginalized children. Only together can we ensure that all children, including the poorest, those in emergency and conflict situations, disadvantaged girls and children with disabilities receive a quality education and are empowered.”
The European Commission’s support in the weeks before the GPE Financing Conference sets the pace for other donors to step up their contributions for the future of the partnership’s work.
“We are extremely grateful to the European Commission for their leadership in this pivotal moment for education financing,” said Alice Albright, GPE Chief Executive Officer. “This financing conference will not only put GPE on track to become a US$2 billion-a-year operation by 2020 but will mark a new era in global commitment to education financing.”
Given the strong evidence that education is a catalyst for economic development and stability in countries, the GPE Financing Conference is an opportunity to show commitment not just to the children of the developing world but to global security and prosperity.
The Global Partnership for Education seeks to raise US$3.1 billion for 2018 to 2020 to support up to 89 developing countries and drive improved quality and access to education for 870 million children and youth.
The European Commission has been a strong partner of GPE since 2008 and shares a seat on the GPE Board of Directors with France, Germany, Italy, and Spain representing one of six donor seats. There are also six seats for developing countries, three for non-governmental organizations, one for private sector and foundations and three for multilateral organizations.
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The Global Partnership for Education (GPE) works with developing countries to ensure that every child receives a quality basic education, prioritizing the poorest, the most vulnerable and those living in countries affected by fragility or conflict. GPE mobilizes financing for education and supports developing countries to build effective education systems founded on evidence-based planning and policies. GPE’s approach is different because it convenes and builds consensus on education issues--at the global and country levels--to help developing countries develop effective education sector plans, and promote aid that is coordinated and aligned with these plans.
GPE’s support has achieved the following results in its partner countries:
- 72 million more children in primary school in 2015 compared with 2002
- 76% of children in GPE partner countries completed primary school in 2015 compared to 63%in 2002.
- 74% primary school completion rate for girls in 2015 compared with 57% in 2002
- 78% of GPE partner countries have maintained their education budget at or above 20% of public expenditure, or increased their education budget in 2015.
Media contact: Alexandra Humme, ahumme@globalpartnership.org; Tel: 202-492 8890