The Global Partnership for Education (GPE) welcomes the G7 leaders’ renewed commitment to gender equality, particularly in Africa, and the priorities highlighted in this year's communiqué:

“We reiterate our commitment to collectively increase G7 ODA for gender equality and we will explore ways to do this at the nexus of climate change and gender, particularly in Africa. Recognizing that quality education for all girls is the best predictor for future levels of equality, we must also promote access to safe, inclusive, and equitable quality education for all. Noting that 2024 is the African Union’s Year of Education, we will enhance our partnership with African countries on girls’ education, including through redoubling our efforts to meet the G7 Girls' Education targets by 2026.”

This pledge comes at a time of profound global challenges where education is a key solution. GPE, founded by the G7 in 2002, urges that these commitments turn into concrete actions.

Transforming education systems to be fit for the 21st century is the common thread to address the issues highlighted in the leaders’ communiqué – from climate change and economic turmoil to conflicts across the globe. Increased education financing is essential for delivering on existing promises and achieving real progress. We call on the G7 to deliver on these ambitions.

Education is an investment, not an expense. We cannot afford to wait much longer. In low- and middle-income countries, 70% of 10-year-olds are unable to understand a simple story, jeopardizing $21 trillion in future earnings. The situation is especially dire in Africa, where girls are often furthest behind. Demand for schooling exceeds supply, and the school-age population in lower-income countries will grow by 67 percent in the next three decades. Currently, 60 percent of Africa’s unemployed are young people lacking relevant skills. Education is the key to unleashing the immense potential of Africa’s youth.

In 2021, the G7 set targets to get 40 million more girls in school and 20 million more girls reading by age 10 by 2026. With global progress reversing, meeting these goals requires urgent, concerted action supporting lower-income countries, aligned with the African Union Year of Education 2024.

Under Italy’s presidency, emphasizing gender equality is crucial for upholding the G7’s legacy and reversing the learning crisis.

We call on all G7 nations to fulfill their commitments to education, including by ensuring a fully funded GPE. We also look to Canada to make global education a permanent G7 agenda item, driving transformation for more peaceful, stable and resilient societies.

The G7 leaders' communiqué moves us closer to creating meaningful change. Let’s build on this momentum with concrete actions and substantial financial commitments to address the urgent education crisis.