Education Cannot Wait Calls for Improved Data for Crisis Education Funding
Urgent Call for Improved Data in Crisis Education Funding
In a joint policy paper titled Funding for Education in Crises Data in Distress, Education Cannot Wait (ECW) and the Global Education Monitoring (GEM) Report have highlighted the pressing need for more coherent and transparent data systems. This necessity arises from a growing acknowledgment of education's central role in addressing escalating needs in both humanitarian and development contexts, particularly during crises.
The report emphasizes that current reporting systems for education financing lack the consistency and transparency needed for effective decision-making. Yasmine Sherif, Executive Director of ECW, pointed out that amidst escalating crises and dwindling aid resources, there is an urgent requirement to act more intelligently and swiftly. Improved data and stronger coordination are essential, ensuring that no child is left behind, particularly those suffering the most from humanitarian crises. Sherif expressed a need for genuine empathy towards the 234 million children they aim to serve, advocating for improved tracking of educational financing during crises to support more efficient investments.
Furthermore, Manos Antoninis, Director of the GEM Report, addressed the challenges posed by disconnected data systems, indicating that humanitarian aid often represents an increasing portion of funding in crises. He argued that monitoring systems should adapt to reflect this reality and prioritize integrated support for children facing prolonged crises.
The analysis within the report revealed that armed conflicts, climate disasters, and forced displacement have become permanent fixtures of global crises. Humanitarian response appeals now average ten years in duration, with 91% of these appeals involving protracted crises. This context indicates that educational initiatives are increasingly intertwined with both humanitarian aid and development programs. Currently, however, mechanisms for financing and monitoring education aid are largely disconnected, governed by disparate systems with varying standards.
By analyzing data from three primary global education aid databases— the OECD’s Creditor Reporting System (CRS), the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs’ Financial Tracking Service (FTS), and the International Aid Transparency Initiative (IATI)— the paper underscores the fragmentation of these systems. The report highlights that education continues to be one of the most underfunded sectors within humanitarian aid, with the FTS noting that only 29% of educational funding requests in humanitarian appeals were approved in 2024.
Interestingly, the CRS data reveals that development assistance is anticipated to represent an increasing share of education expenditures in crisis-affected countries, reaching 92% by 2023. However, the strict definitions surrounding humanitarian aid within this database may skew these figures.
The paper indicates a rising trend in the share of funding directed toward education in emergency situations, increasing from 9% in 2017 to 12% in 2023— a reflection of the growing prevalence and duration of crises. In countries with ongoing humanitarian plans for more than three years, the share of education funding during this period increased from 21% to 24%.
Despite these upward trends, the GEM Report indicates a staggering annual funding gap of $100 billion needed to meet educational objectives. Without further measures by 2030, 300 million children may lack basic numeracy and literacy skills, and 84 million children may remain entirely out of school.
In light of these challenges, both ECW and the GEM report call for improved coordination to harmonize key reporting frameworks— CRS, FTS, and IATI— and enhance reporting standards. Comprehensive tracking of educational financing during crises is crucial for equipping policymakers and education aid actors with the information they need to make informed funding decisions in humanitarian aid and development cooperation.
About Education Cannot Wait (ECW)
Education Cannot Wait serves as the global fund for education in emergencies and protracted crises under the United Nations umbrella. It aims to provide high-quality educational opportunities for affected children— especially refugees, internally displaced persons, and others impacted by crises— ensuring that no child is left behind. ECW collaborates with various stakeholders, including governments, public and private donors, UN agencies, civil society organizations, and other actors in humanitarian and development aid to enhance efficiency and eliminate siloed approaches.
Follow ECW on Twitter @EduCannotWait and @YasmineSherif1 for updates.