Sigrid Kaag Appointed as New Chair of Education Cannot Wait's High-Level Steering Group

Education Cannot Wait Welcomes Sigrid Kaag as Chair

In a pivotal move forward for global education, Education Cannot Wait (ECW), a key UN fund dedicated to education in emergencies, has proudly announced the appointment of Sigrid Kaag from The Netherlands as the new Chair of its High-Level Steering Group. This strategic leadership change is poised to amplify efforts to provide quality education for children caught in some of the world's most severe humanitarian crises.

A Visionary Advocate for Education

Sigrid Kaag brings with her a wealth of experience in international diplomacy and humanitarian affairs. Since her appointment, she has articulated a clear vision for transforming the lives of millions of children affected by conflicts, displacement, and disasters exacerbated by climate change. “Education Cannot Wait and its strategic partners change the lives of countless children,” Kaag stated, emphasizing the shared responsibility to invest in the right to quality education. She underscored that this investment is crucial for economic resilience, global security, and sustainable development.

Kaag's role entails championing the cause of education in emergencies, and she plans to work vigorously to enhance political support and secure greater funding. Her predecessor, the former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown, noted that the current demand for education has skyrocketed from approximately 75 million crisis-affected children at ECW's inception in 2016 to nearly 250 million today. “We must do more to ensure that no child is left behind,” he emphasized.

Strategic Goals for ECW

Under Kaag's leadership, ECW has outlined an ambitious four-year strategic plan aimed at mobilizing US$1.5 billion to provide support to 20 million children impacted by crises. This funding is crucial for ensuring these children can access safe and quality education.

The organization's approaching challenges are significant, with the increasing number of children needing urgent educational aid directly correlating with escalating global crises. The pressing need for focused and sustained investment has never been more critical as ECW seeks to empower children to realize their right to education amid adversity.

The Legacy of Gordon Brown

Gordon Brown served as the Chair of ECW's High-Level Steering Group for eight years before handing over the reins to Kaag. He remains a UN Special Envoy for Global Education and his influence within the organization—having turned ECW from a startup into a billion-dollar global fund—will continue to resonate.

With Kaag's deep commitment to the needs of children in crisis and her extensive political experience, she is expected to steer the organization toward greater achievements in the sphere of emergency education.

Collaborative Efforts

The transition of leadership included broad consultations with senior UN figures, including UN Secretary-General António Guterres and other prominent leaders. The High-Level Steering Group is instrumental in providing strategic direction, comprising representatives from UN agencies, civil society, and the private sector.

In her acceptance, Kaag acknowledged the collaborative effort needed to further ECW's mission.