ECW’s governance has three levels: the High-Level Steering Group (HLSG), the Executive Committee (ExCom) and the ECW Director.
The High-Level Steering Group (HLSG) is ECW’s highest governing body, composed of senior leaders from donor governments, UN agencies, the private sector, civil society and crisis-affected countries. It sets the Fund’s strategic direction, approves key policies and priorities, and mobilizes high-level political and financial support. Members serve in a non-compensated capacity and are selected based on their leadership, influence, and institutional affiliation. Meeting up to twice a year, the HLSG steers decisions of critical strategic importance to ECW’s mission and also validates recommendations from the Executive Committee.
HLSG Members (as of July 2025, by constituency)
Sigrid Kaag
Sigrid A. M. Kaag of the Kingdom of the Netherlands is a seasoned former politician and senior diplomat. She was first Deputy Prime Minister/Minister of Finance, Trade and International Cooperation as well as Foreign Affairs in the course of her political career. She led her political party to victory in the national elections of 2021. During her tenure at the UN, Ms. Kaag held a number of senior political leadership roles at the level of Under-Secretary General and has worked for UNICEF, UNDP, IOM and UNWRA. Ms. Kaag holds two post-graduate degrees from the Universities of Oxford and Exeter. She is proficient in six languages.
Hon. Randeep Sarai
The Honourable Randeep Sarai is Canada’s Secretary of State (International Development). Born in Vancouver, BC, he is the son of Sikh Indian parents. After completing political science and law degrees, he practised law before transitioning into politics. He has been an elected Member of Parliament for Surrey-Center since 2015.
Ole Thonke
Ole Thonke is the Undersecretary for Development Policy and Climate Ambassador at the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Prior to this, he has served as ambassador for the Royal Danish Embassy in Kenya, Pakistan and Bolivia and Head of Department at the Ministry. Ole Thonke holds a Master of Economics from the University of Copenhagen (and is Knight of the Order of Dannebrog).
H.E. Dr. Tariq Al Gurg
H.E. Dr. Tariq Al Gurg is the CEO and Vice-Chairman of Dubai Cares. Since joining in 2009, he has combined his leadership experience and passion for education and philanthropy to lead a global movement reclaiming education as a key driver of sustainable development. Under his leadership, Dubai Cares has empowered over 116 million direct and indirect beneficiaries in 60 countries.
H.E Jozef Síkela
Jozef Síkela is the European Commissioner for International Partnerships, leading the EU’s efforts to build long-term, mutually beneficial global partnerships. Previously, he served as Minister of Industry and Trade and held executive roles in the banking sector, including Erste Group Bank and Slovenská sporiteľňa, with extensive experience in economic development.
H.E. Ville Tavio
Ville Tavio is Finland’s Minister for Foreign Trade and Development and a Member of Parliament. A lawyer by training, he founded a litigation firm and has over a decade of experience in politics. Previously, he chaired the Finns Party Parliamentary Group and served on key parliamentary committees.
Johann Saathoff
Michael Gaffey
Michael Gaffey has been the Director General of Development Cooperation and Africa Division (DCAD), Irish Aid, since August 2022. Before his appointment to DCAD, he was the Permanent Representative of Ireland to the United Nations in Geneva – following terms as Director General for Development, Middle East Director, Director for the Western Balkans and South East Europe. His previous postings with the Department of Foreign Affairs were in Tokyo, London, Cairo, Amman, Baghdad, Belfast and Chicago.
Sidsel Marie Kristensen
Sidsel Marie Kristensen took office as CEO of The LEGO Foundation in 2023, having previously served on the Board of Directors from 2020. Kristensen is the Chair of Imagination Lab Foundation, a board member of the Danish publisher Gyldendal, as well as BrainPoP, and member of The Committee on Foundation Governance.
Stine Renate Håheim
Stine Renate Håheim was elected to Parliament for Norway’s Labour Party (2009-2017) and served inter alia on the Education and Science Committee. She is a teacher with master’s degree in education, history and political science. She worked at a high school in Oslo before joining the government.
Clara Govier
Clara Govier has been Managing Director and Chair of People’s Postcode Lottery since 2018. With extensive experience in communications and the charity sector, she previously held senior roles at the Scottish Wildlife Trust and the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland. She is an Associate Member of the Institute of Fundraising.
Simeon Mawanza
Simeon Mawanza is the lead of the Children in Displacement Challenge at Porticus. He has over 25 years of professional experience spanning the fields of human rights, development and education. He holds an MSc in Development Management.
Fahad Hamad Al-Sulaiti
Fahad Hamad Hassan Al-Sulaiti is the Director General of Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD), leading global development initiatives in education, health and economic growth. With 23 years of experience, he previously served as CEO of QFFD and held leadership roles at Education Above All Foundation and Qatar Foundation.
H.E. Ambassador Patricia Danzi
H.E. Ambassador Patricia Danzi has been Director-General of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) since May 2020. Prior to her engagement with SDC, she spent 23 years with the International Committee of the Red Cross, both in the field and at headquarters – including as Regional Director for Africa and the Americas respectively.
Rt. Hon. Baroness Chapman
Baroness Chapman serves as Minister of State (International Development, Latin America and Caribbean) in the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. Previously, she was Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office between 18 July 2024 and 28 February 2025.
H.E. Dr. Rima Karami
Dr. Rima Karami Akkary, Lebanon’s Minister of Education since 2025, directs the TAMAM Project, advancing school-based reform across nine Arab countries. A scholar and leader, she served at AUB as Department Chair and Associate Professor, with extensive research, publications, and professional development contributions in educational leadership, policy, and organizational change.
Dr. Kuyok Abol Kuyok
Dr. Kuyok Abol Kuyok is Minister of General Education and Instruction since March 2025. Previously, he served as the Ministry’s Undersecretary for five years and worked at the Anti-Corruption Commission for five years. As the Ministry’s most senior civil servant, he oversees policy implementation and chairs flagship program Steering Committees. He teaches at the University of Juba.
H.E. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete
H.E. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete has been Chair of the Global Partnership for Education Board since 2021. Formerly President of Tanzania (2005-2015), he has championed education, health and regional cooperation. A former African Union Chair and special envoy for global education, he also serves on multiple international boards advocating for education and development.
Dr. Faiza Hassan
Faiza Hassan became the Inter-Agency Network for Education in Emergencies Director in 2025, bringing 20 years of experience in education in emergencies. A chemical engineer turned education leader, she worked with UNICEF, CARE and Save the Children across East Africa before joining INEE.
Thomas Fletcher
Tom Fletcher is the United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator at OCHA. A former UK Ambassador to Lebanon and foreign policy adviser to three UK Prime Ministers, he has held leadership roles in education and diplomacy. An author and academic, he previously served as Principal of Hertford College, Oxford University.
Cindy McCain
Cindy McCain is a distinguished humanitarian, business leader and diplomat with a career spanning four decades. A former Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the United States Mission to the United Nations food and agriculture agencies in Rome, she has championed a wide range of causes focused on alleviating hunger, and promoting sustainable development and peace. She has worked with frontline humanitarian programmes during her travels across world, including many runs by World Food Programme, and learned from people whose lives have been transformed by them.
Stefania Giannini
Stefania Giannini has been UNESCO’s Assistant Director-General for Education since 2018, leading global efforts on the Education 2030 Agenda. A former Italian Minister of Education and university rector, she has strengthened multilateral partnerships, advanced education’s role in sustainable development and spearheaded key initiatives – including the Transforming Education Summit in 2022.
Barham Salih
Barham Salih is the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, leading UNHCR’s global efforts across 128 countries, supporting over 117 million forcibly displaced and stateless people. He has more than three decades of public service experience, including as President of Iraq. He holds a PhD from the University of Liverpool and is fluent in English, Kurdish, and Arabic.
Catherine Russell
Catherine Russell is UNICEF’s Executive Director, leading efforts to support children in over 190 countries. A former US Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women’s Issues, she has decades of experience in public service, policy development, and advocacy for women and girls. She previously held senior roles in the White House and US State Department.
Dr. Luis Alberto Benveniste
Dr. Luis Alberto Benveniste is the Global Director for Education at the World Bank. Previously, he was the Human Development Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean at the World Bank. He was a co-author of the "World Development Report 2012: Gender Equality and Development."
Dr. David Edwards
David Edwards, PhD is General Secretary of Education International, the voice of teachers and other education employees around the world. Through its 386 member organisations, Education International represents over 32.5 million teachers and education support personnel in 178 countries. Dr Edwards leads the organisation since 2018, after seven years as Deputy General Secretary directing education policy, advocacy, research and communications. Prior to joining Education International, Dr Edwards was an Associate Director at the National Education Association of the United States. He has worked as an Education Specialist at the Organization of American States and began his career as a public high school teacher.
Emmanuel Kofi Abotsi
Emmanuel Kofi Abotsi, an accomplished youth leader passionate about youth development, education, and international policy, has served as SRC President at two universities. He holds degrees in Earth Science and Law, and soon t be called to the Ghana Bar, he currently serves in the Legal Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and also as Personal Aide to the Minister.
Tom Dannatt
Tom Dannatt founded Street Child in 2008 and has led the organisation since its inception, becoming professional CEO in 2012. Tom holds a master's degree in human rights from the London School of Economics and is a qualified barrister.
Dr. Refaat Sabbah
Refaat Sabbah is a lifelong human rights and education activist, serving as General Director of the Teacher Creativity Centre in Palestine and President of the Global Campaign for Education. He leads regional education initiatives, advocating for civic education and human rights, and has trained over 25,000 teachers across the Arab world.
Jan Egeland
Jan Egeland has been Secretary General of the Norwegian Refugee Council since 2013, overseeing humanitarian efforts in 40 countries. A former UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, he has held key roles in conflict resolution, human rights and crisis response – including efforts in Syria, Colombia and the Oslo Accords peace negotiations.