#United States #New York #Education Cannot Wait #Sigrid Kaag #Humanitarian Crises

Sigrid Kaag Takes Charge of Education Cannot Wait

In a significant step towards enhancing global education, Sigrid Kaag of the Netherlands has been appointed as the new chair of the high-level steering group for Education Cannot Wait (ECW), an organization created by the United Nations to fund education in emergencies and protracted crises. The announcement was made in New York on April 3, 2025, and reflects a continued commitment to addressing critical educational needs in some of the world's most vulnerable regions.

The Role of Education Cannot Wait

Established in 2016, ECW aims to provide quality education to children impacted by armed conflicts, forced displacement, and climate-induced disasters. With millions of children in urgent need of educational support, the foundation has taken on an ambitious four-year strategic plan, targeting $1.5 billion to reach 20 million crisis-affected children worldwide. The funds will not only help ensure safe educational environments but also restore hope to these children, offering them a brighter future.

Kaag's appointment comes at a time when the demand for educational resources is at an all-time high. The number of crisis-affected children needing urgent educational assistance has more than tripled since the fund's inception—from an estimated 75 million to nearly 250 million today. The rising figures underscore the necessity for enhanced political will and increased global funding to fulfill education commitments laid out in global agreements such as the Pact for the Future and the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.

Vision for the Future

In her new role, Kaag has vocalized her commitment to strengthening political resolve and boosting financial contributions towards education in times of crisis. "Investment in their right to quality education is our shared responsibility and is the best investment towards economic resilience, global security, and sustainable development," she stated. Her emphasis on collaboration highlights the importance of partnerships with donors, member states, the private sector, and other civil society organizations in making a meaningful, lasting impact.

Kaag recognizes the pivotal role that continuous and generous support from government and private sector donors can play in improving ECW's outcomes, which have already benefited over 11 million children. She expresses gratitude towards former chair Gordon Brown for his visionary leadership and the remarkable progress made under his direction, steering the foundation to become a billion-dollar global entity in just a few years since its formation.

The Legacy of Gordon Brown

Gordon Brown, who served as the head of the high-level steering group from its inception until 2024, will maintain his global education advocacy as the UN Special Envoy for Global Education. His dedication to ensuring that children worldwide receive a quality education has set a strong foundation, enabling Kaag to build further on this legacy. Brown has lauded Kaag's extensive expertise in humanitarian and development issues as well as her diplomatic acumen, predicting her success as she undertakes this significant leadership role.

Moving Forward

The high-level steering group is tasked with strategically guiding ECW’s activities, with members including senior UN officials, institutional leaders, and representatives from civil society organizations. Kaag's mandate included widespread consultation and alignment with top-tier UN officials, ensuring a well-rounded and informed leadership transition.

As she steps into her new role, she is committed to ensuring that the ECW continues to innovate in providing education quickly and effectively to children affected by crises. Yasmine Sherif, the director of ECW, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for relentless efforts to reach the millions of children needing assistance.

With her robust political background, humanitarian experience, and unwavering passion for education, Sigrid Kaag is undoubtedly poised to lead Education Cannot Wait into a new era, addressing the challenges of today while paving the way for a better tomorrow for children in crisis.

Through her leadership, there is hope that collective action will enhance educational opportunities for vulnerable children, bridging gaps exacerbated by global crises and disaster situations.