Julia Gillard, new GPE Board Chair
The Global Partnership for Education (GPE) has appointed former Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard to be the new Chair of its Board of Directors. Gillard will take on a new role leading fundraising efforts to provide education to 57 million out-of-school children worldwide. The GPE is the only multilateral partnership devoted to getting every child in the world's poorest countries into school for a quality education.
As Australia’s Prime Minister from 2010 to 2013 and throughout her career in public office, including as Minister of Education, Gillard distinguished herself as a passionate and effective champion for education.
“I believe that with 57 million of the world’s children still lacking access to a basic education and 250 million children unable to read, write or master simple math, there can be no higher priority,” Gillard said when her new role was announced on 10 February. “I am also alarmed about the recent sharp decline in donor support to education that threatens the progress achieved over the past decade, particularly for girls’ education. The global community must respond generously to the upcoming call for a renewal of multilateral, bilateral and national financing for basic education.”
GPE has a proven track record of support and has delivered results in the world’s poorest and most fragile countries, she stressed, adding that GPE is uniquely positioned to address the main challenges in global basic education.
“It is an honour to accept the role of Board Chair for the Global Partnership for Education,” Gillard added. “There is much to do and little time.”
EI: An advocate for financing education
EI has welcomed Gillard’s appointment. “Gillard has proven herself one of the world’s most articulate advocates for improving access and quality of education for children in the poorest countries,” said EI General Secretary Fred van Leeuwen. “Joining the Global Partnership for Education at a pivotal moment, we wish her every success in her work, including her call on donor nations to increase their contributions.”
