Education Cannot Wait & Global Partnership for Education: Two complementary global funds responding to the global education crisis

The number of crises around the world has increased  dramatically over the past decade, placing a major strain on  education systems. This has brought incalculable consequences  for children who miss out on school. 

ECW estimates that globally, over 234 million children and adolescents  impacted by armed conflict, forced displacement, climate-induced disasters and other crises urgently need support to access quality education. Across lower-income countries worldwide, millions more are missing out on a quality education due to challenges such as extreme poverty, malnutrition, the lack of qualified teachers and insufficient education budgets.   
Escalating needs, economic uncertainty, dwindling financing and other global challenges are undermining efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) by 2030. SDG 4 on education for all is particularly at risk, despite education being a foundational goal upon which to realize all other SDGs.

In this context, two global funds Education Cannot Wait (ECW) and the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) supporting education across the emergency and development spectrum are needed now more than ever before.

Funding needs for both ECW and GPE to support quality education for crisis-affected children have never been greater.

Why two funds?

Crises are multiplying, becoming more complex and lasting longer than before. More resources are needed to better support countries to meet the most urgent education needs while building resilient and equitable education systems for the future. By leveraging each fund’s added value, ECW and GPE’s strengthened collaboration maximizes funding for education and helps to better meet the full scope of needs:

• Generating more overall funding for education
• Offering diverse support options
• Reinforcing coordination mechanisms
• Forging more diverse partnerships

Complementarity

GPE’s work with governments to prepare for and respond to crises and minimize their impact on education systems complements ECW’s work on financing rapid and multi-year education responses in crises through the humanitarian system.

Learn more in this ECW-GPE brief available in English and French. 

Download the full Complementary Note.