At the Global Citizen Festival in New York’s iconic Central Park, France demonstrated its strong commitment to global education by pledging €40 million. This significant contribution, announced by France’s Minister of State for Development and International Partnerships, Ms. Chrysoula Zacharopoulou, alongside ECW Executive Director Yasmine Sherif, aims to provide life-saving education for 20 million children affected by crises worldwide.
September 23, 2023, New York City – The Global Citizen Festival stage in New York became a platform for a powerful announcement as France pledged a new, additional €40 million to Education Cannot Wait (ECW). This commitment was made by France’s Minister of State for Development and International Partnerships, Ms. Chrysoula Zacharopoulou, and ECW Executive Director Yasmine Sherif, highlighting the urgent need for educational support for vulnerable children globally.
Education Cannot Wait (ECW) has been instrumental in mobilizing resources to address the educational needs of children in crisis situations. With France’s latest contribution of €40 million, ECW has now secured US$870 million towards its ambitious 2023-2026 Strategic Plan. This plan aims to reach 20 million crisis-impacted children, offering them the safety, hope, and opportunity that quality education provides. France’s multi-year commitment places them among key strategic donor partners who are dedicated to supporting this crucial fund.
“Education is undeniably the cornerstone for achieving all Sustainable Development Goals. Championing global education and empowerment is a paramount priority for France,” stated Ms. Chrysoula Zacharopoulou, France’s Minister of State for Development and International Partnerships. “The Paris Pact for People and the Planet emphasizes the collective responsibility we share in enabling every nation to combat poverty and address climate change. This responsibility extends to states, which must bolster development policies with substantial resources. Therefore, it is with great honor that I announce, on behalf of France and President Macron, the allocation of €40 million to bolster ECW’s initiatives throughout the 2023-2026 cycle.” This €40 million commitment underscores France’s dedication to making a tangible difference in the lives of children in crisis.
ECW Executive Director Yasmine Sherif warmly welcomed France’s generous contribution of €40 million. “France, with this bold and generous contribution of €40 million, sets a remarkable example for the world to emulate. It reinforces the critical need to prioritize education as a fundamental global goal, essential for realizing all other global objectives. The time to act is now, focusing on the most marginalized children and adolescents – refugees, internally displaced populations, and those suffering from brutal conflicts and the devastating effects of climate change. We extend our deepest gratitude to France for reminding us where our focus must lie to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals,” Ms. Sherif emphasized. She further urged, “We appeal to government donors, philanthropic foundations, and the private sector to follow this lead and join our collective endeavor to mobilize a total of US$1.5 billion over the next three years. This funding is vital to provide quality education to 20 million crisis-affected girls and boys, empowering them to learn, develop, and rebuild their communities.”
According to ECW statistics, a staggering 224 million children globally are denied access to quality education due to ongoing armed conflicts, displacement, climate disasters, and prolonged crises. These children urgently require support to realize their fundamental right to inclusive and quality education.
Through strategic partnerships, ECW has already made a significant impact, reaching nearly 9 million children in some of the world’s most challenging crisis zones. ECW provides holistic education support, encompassing essential elements such as school infrastructure, learning materials, teacher training, mental health and psychosocial services, improved water and sanitation access, and school feeding programs. ECW’s interventions are specifically tailored to each context and prioritize gender equality, disability inclusion, climate resilience, refugee inclusion, and social cohesion.
Despite increased donor contributions, the funding gap for education in emergencies continues to widen. Humanitarian appeals for education have nearly tripled, rising from US$1.1 billion in 2019 to almost US$3 billion by the end of 2022. Alarmingly, in 2022, only 30% of the required education funding was secured. This stark reality underscores the urgent need for increased financial commitments like the €40 million pledged by France.
At this year’s Global Citizen Festival in Central Park, headlined by renowned artists including the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Ms. Lauryn Hill, and Jung Kook, ECW and Global Citizen amplified their call to action. They urged global leaders to prioritize education, particularly for the world’s most vulnerable children, on the international stage.
Global Citizen, a worldwide movement of engaged individuals, leverages campaigns and events to bring together leaders from music, entertainment, public policy, media, philanthropy, and the corporate sector. Over the past decade, commitments announced on Global Citizen platforms have translated into billions of dollars, positively impacting over 1 billion lives – including substantial funding for ECW. Individuals can take action with Global Citizen and contribute directly to Education Cannot Wait. France’s commitment of €40 million serves as a powerful call to action for others to join this critical mission.
