More than 273 million children worldwide are currently out of school, and the number continues to rise. At the same time, the global education financing gap remains immense, with an estimated US$97 billion needed in low- and lower-middle-income countries to reach SDG 4 by 2030.
Today, INEW is proud to join more than 190 civil society organisations, representing over 16,000 local, national, and international organisations, in calling on world leaders to take urgent action to fund education.
Together, we are urging decision-makers to:
- Fully fund the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) and Education Cannot Wait (ECW), recognising their complementary roles in addressing the global education financing crisis and ensuring continuity of support from emergency response to long-term system strengthening.
- Protect and expand domestic and global education financing, even amid fiscal constraints, recognising that investment in education is critical to stability, recovery and long-term growth.
- Prioritise education financing that meets the diverse and intersecting needs of children, young people, students and teachers, with specific attention given to gender equality, disability inclusion, refugee learners and those affected by extreme poverty.
As part of this effort, INEW has shared the global civil society call with Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora, Neale Richmond TD, as well as with Irish Aid. Through this engagement, we are encouraging Ireland to make meaningful commitments to education, specifically both global funds and to continue its leadership in advancing global education.
Education is a fundamental right and one of the most powerful investments that can be made in a more just, peaceful, and prosperous future. Without adequate financing, millions of children will continue to be denied the opportunity to learn and fulfil their potential.
Read the global civil society call here.
