Maysa Jalbout Takes Charge as Director of Education Cannot Wait, Aiming to Transform Education in Crisis

Maysa Jalbout Takes Charge of Education Cannot Wait

In a significant development in global education leadership, Maysa Jalbout has been appointed as the Director of Education Cannot Wait (ECW), a vital initiative that aims to provide education in crisis situations across the globe. This announcement came from Her Excellency Sigrid Kaag, Chair of the ECW High-Level Steering Group, following an exhaustive search process that included representatives from UNICEF and various donor governments.

Maysa Jalbout is no stranger to philanthropic efforts and education advocacy. With a steadfast commitment to uplift the world's most vulnerable children, her selection for this role underlines her extensive experience and visionary approach to education in urgent contexts. Ms. Kaag noted that Jalbout's impressive lineage of achievements and her understanding of how to navigate and transform educational challenges make her exceptionally well-suited for this position.

Reflecting on her new role, Jalbout expressed, "It's my privilege to lead ECW – the global fund for public, private, and civil society partners working with unwavering urgency to deliver safe classrooms to millions of uprooted children. Together, we will not allow a generation of children to be defined by crisis. As a former refugee, I know that education is not only about learning; it is a lifeline in emergencies. Ultimately, it is the foundation for peace and economic opportunity that the world needs now more than ever."

This statement is particularly poignant, given the exacerbating crises that many regions face, including armed conflicts and climate-related disasters that have displaced countless children from their educational environments. Jalbout's tenure begins at a crucial time when humanitarian funding for education is alarmingly insufficient.

In 2026, ECW will celebrate its tenth anniversary and is set to unveil a new strategic framework to address educational disruptions caused by crises. The organization plans to launch a replenishment campaign seeking $600 million, with a commitment to allocate at least half of its finances through local and community-led organizations. This shift emphasizes the importance of locally-driven solutions in creating effective educational responses to crises.

Jalbout's background includes over thirty years in education policy, philanthropy, and leadership across various prestigious foundations. She is the founder of notable institutions such as the Queen Rania Foundation for Education and has served in significant roles within Global Affairs Canada, where she managed education policy in conflict-impacted and developing nations. Her expertise is also reflected in her advisory roles at renowned educational institutions such as Arizona State University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

Moreover, her past board memberships suggest her extensive network and influence within the education landscape globally, providing her with a unique platform to advocate for change and progress. Jalbout has also contributed significantly to research through publications at the Brookings Institution and Theirworld, underscoring her role as an educator and innovator in the field.

Education Cannot Wait operates by providing rapid, catalytic funding aimed at restoring and maintaining learning for children in dire circumstances. Its mission prioritizes community involvement, collaborating closely with various stakeholders, including governments, youth, civil society, and UN offices. As global crises grow ever more complex and the education funding gap widens, ECW remains focused on expanding investments to ensure that millions of affected children can access education and reclaim their futures.

As Maysa Jalbout steps into this pivotal role, the world watches with anticipation on how her leadership will shape the future of education for millions of children facing unprecedented challenges. Follow ECW on X/Twitter @EduCannotWait for the latest updates and initiatives as they unfold within this crucial sector.