ECW's High-Level Financing Conference

Co-hosted by ECW and Switzerland
Co-convened with Colombia, Germany, Niger, Norway, and South Sudan.

February 16-17, 2023 - Geneva, Switzerland

Around the world, 222 million children and adolescents affected by the horrors of war, disaster and displacement are desperate to learn. 

Education Cannot Wait, the UN global fund for education in emergencies and protracted crises, was established to support the education of those children. But increasing conflict, climate change and the aftermath of COVID-19 are putting untold pressures on economies, education systems and international assistance.

To respond to these alarming trends, ECW has launched an ambitious new strategy and is calling on world leaders, businesses, foundations, and high net-worth individuals to provide at least $1.5 billion so it can deliver its 2023-2026 Strategic Plan.

In close collaboration with the Governments of Colombia, Germany, Niger, Norway, and South Sudan, ECW and Switzerland therefore organized a High-Level Financing Conference to launch efforts to mobilize the resources needed to deliver on ECW’s ambitious plan for the next four years.

The Conference included a high-level segment on 16 February 2023, inviting political and other leaders to position the educational needs of the 222 million children and adolescents left behind in crises high on the international agenda. World leaders committed approximately US$700 million directly for the ECW Trust Fund while another US$126 million were announced in alignment with ECW investments in-country. 

The second day of the Conference 17 February 2023 was dedicated to a series of roundtable discussions aimed at sharing ideas, experiences, and stories, and promoting the exchange of knowledge and innovation.