EU leads global mobilisation for increased investments in inclusive and quality education for all

This article is brought to you in association with the European Commission.

Today at the Global Gateway High-Level Event on Education, the European Union brought together the global education community to take stock of the Global Gateway education investments so far and mobilise partners, as well as new investments ahead of the September’s UN Summit of the Future.

Commissioner for International Partnerships Jutta Urpilainen confirmed the European Union’s strong commitment to quality education as showcased by the €3 billion in funding allocated for education actions between 2021 and 2023, representing around a 13% of the international partnerships budget. This is in line with Commissioner’s decision to increase education spending from 7% to at least 10% by 2027.

At the event, the Commissioner signed programmes totalling €245 million. These include support to girls’ education in Zambia, support to research and learning mobility in Nigeria, a new Team Europe Initiative on vocational education and training in Africa, and the launch of an Africa-Europe Youth Academy and 15 new projects supporting academic mobility inside Africa under the flagship initiative.

New support to girls’ education, youth mobility and skills for jobs

At the event, Commissioner Urpilainen and Zambian Minister of Education, Douglas Syakalima, signed an agreement to support Zambia‘s National Development Plan and Free Education Initiative, supported by a €110 million EU grant. The funds will enhance the quality of primary and secondary education, reduce girls’ dropout rate, increase accessibility for learners with disabilities, and boost early childhood education and development in underserved provinces.  

Together with Didi Esther Walson-Jack, Permanent Secretary of Nigeria‘s Federal Ministry of Education, Commissioner also signed an €18 million cooperation agreement to enhance research and development capacities in the pharmaceutical sector. This action is part of the Team Europe Initiative on Manufacturing and Access to Vaccines, Medicines and Health Technologies in Africa (MAV+). It will support the wider enabling environment around Nigeria‘s pharmaceutical sector, notably by promoting skills development, research and development (for example research in artificial intelligence and nanotechnology), digitalisation and a centralised system for forecasting, procurement and distribution of quality medical products.

Under the flagship Youth Mobility for Africa, 15 Intra-Africa Mobility Scheme projects funded by the EU with €27 million will provide learning mobility opportunities for students, trainees and staff across the continent to boost high-level green and digital skills. As a key initiative of the Youth Action Plan in EU external relations, the Africa-Europe Youth Academy will provide opportunities for formal and informal learning and exchanges to young people looking to improve their leadership skills and create networks between Africa and Europe. The first set of actions launched today is supported with €15 million from the EU.

The regional Team Europe Initiative Opportunity-driven Skills and Vocational Education and Training in Africa, launched today, aims to enhance the employability of women and men in Sub-Saharan Africa. The initiative will steer vocational training initiatives towards concrete employment opportunities created by Global Gateway investments. The initiative will thus support a paradigm shift where the training offer will be tailored to concrete identified job opportunities. The identification of opportunities for women will be compulsory. The Team Europe Initiative isco-financed with €75 million from the EU budget for the period 2024-2028.

Background

The Global Gateway High-Level Event on Education gathered decision makers, private sector and education actors to Brussels to discuss the opportunities for education investments and cooperation under the Global Gateway investment strategy, to showcase results and share best practices and lessons learned and to accelerate progress towards the SDG4, quality education for all.

Education is a powerful mechanism to address inequality and poverty, boosting human potential, opening doors for girls, youth and marginalised groups, and providing a springboard for human connections, debate and democratic values.

For More Information

Global Gateway High-Level Event on Education – European Commission

Education – European Commission

EU and Zambia strengthen cooperation on education and research

EU and Nigeria boost cooperation on research and learning mobility

The EU launches new regional initiatives in Africa to boost youth mobility and skills, including the unique Africa-Europe Youth Academy

Quote(s)

I believe that education is the vehicle to shape a more sustainable world. The EU is a Global Champion on Education. Today’s event brought together key global education actors and was part of our follow-up to the UN Transforming Education Summit, where we made important commitments. I am happy to say that the EU is well on track to deliver on those commitments, including on increasing the share of education in the international partnerships budget from 7% to at least 10%. With Global Gateway, we have made the strategic decision to prioritise investment in inclusion and access to education, in quality teaching and learning, and in future-proof skills. Ahead of the UN Summit of the Future, the EU driving the push to put the SDG4 on track.

Jutta Urpilainen, Commissioner for International Partnerships