Norway doubles support for Global Partnership for Education

‘Norway is at the forefront of a major effort to promote global education, and is doubling its support for the Global Partnership for Education. This reflects the high priority given to global education in the Government’s development policy,’ said Minister of Foreign Affairs Børge Brende. 

Today Mr Brende participates in the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) Replenishment and Pledging Conference in Brussels. The objective of the conference is to mobilise sufficient funding to ensure that 29 million children in 66 countries have access to education. GPE is a cooperation between developing countries, donor countries, multilateral organisations, the private sector and civil society, established to provide quality education opportunities for children out of school. 

‘Over the next three years, Norway will increase its annual support to GPE from USD 47.5 million this year to USD 96.5 million in 2017. GPE is the only global education initiative that has succeeded in bringing together all the relevant actors in a joint effort. This makes it an important channel for Norway’s increased support for global education,’ said Mr Brende. 

Global education is a high priority in the Government’s development and humanitarian policy. A new white paper on this topic was presented on 13 June. 

‘Education is essential for development in all countries. The Government is giving particular priority to education for girls, and for vulnerable groups like children in conflict areas and those with disabilities. We also want to improve the quality of education, for example by improving teacher training,’ said Mr Brende. 

The level of global funding for education in poor countries has fallen by 10 % over the last five years. With this increased contribution, Norway is one of the main supporters of GPE.