Education Above All Foundation, OECD netFWD, and FGV DGPE Lead Discussions on Education, Climate and Equity during G20 Summit
This event highlighted the essential role of education in addressing climate change and advancing equality, aligning with Brazil’s G20 Presidency theme, “Building a Just World and a Sustainable Planet.”
Comprising a High-Level Breakfast and a Technical Session, the event aimed to bring together global leaders, educators, climate and health experts, and youth advocates to explore how education can drive resilience, equity, and sustainability across global agendas. The two-part event fostered meaningful dialogue and actionable insights on the transformative power of education.
The High-Level Breakfast featured opening remarks from global leaders, emphasising the connection between education, climate, and health as foundational pillars for a resilient and equitable future. Following the opening, a round-table discussion focused on integrating education into climate and health policies to effectively address today’s most pressing challenges.
During the Technical Session, panel discussions and workshops explored topics such as innovative financing for education, climate-resilient learning, the role of foundations in sustainable development, and youth-driven advocacy for systemic reform. These discussions highlighted strategies to incorporate education into climate adaptation efforts and public health preparedness, reinforcing its central role in addressing global inequalities.
Mohamed Al Kubaisi, Acting CEO of Education Above All Foundation, emphasised the need for these discussions: “To achieve sustainable development goals and ensure equitable access to quality education, we must prioritise innovative financing solutions and collaborative approaches. EAA has provided educational opportunities to over 19 million out of school children and youth across 60 countries, leveraging nearly US$3 billion in co-funding through strategic partnerships. Closing the gap faced by over 260 million children and youth worldwide without access to education is critical for building a resilient, sustainable future.”
Henrique Paim, Director of the Public Management and Educational Policy Development Division at Fundação Getulio Vargas, states that education is a cornerstone in addressing persistent social, environmental, economic, cultural, and ethical challenges. To achieve this, he emphasizes the need to develop and strengthen pedagogical practices that are forward-looking and adaptable to today’s rapidly evolving, innovation-driven landscape. These practices must prioritize quality teaching, ensure meaningful learning outcomes, and, above all, uphold the essential rights to inclusion and social equity in educational access.
Federico Bonaglia, Deputy Director of the OECD Development Centre, underscored the importance of addressing today’s global challenges and calls for a more inclusive multilateral system that amplifies voices from the Global South and inclusive partnerships that engage a diverse spectrum of actors, including philanthropy. OECD data show that private philanthropy contributed USD 42 billion to development between 2016 and 2019, with domestic foundations directing most of their resources to education during this period. Today’s joint event with Fundação Getulio Vargas and the Education Above All Foundation—focused on the contributions of domestic philanthropy to Brazil’s G20 education priorities—continues the OECD Network of Foundations Working for Development’s commitment to strengthening this integration and positioning of philanthropy at the heart of key multilateral discussions. we look forward to building on Brazil’s remarkable achievements and further advancing the dialogue with foundations on their contributions to development as we engage with South Africa’s G20 Presidency in 2025.
With Brazil’s G20 Presidency focusing on social inclusion, sustainable energy transitions, and global governance reform, this event aimed to galvanize a global commitment to advancing educational access, strengthening climate resilience, and fostering equitable development. Through cross-sector collaboration and innovative financing solutions, this gathering aspired to drive lasting impact for education systems worldwide, with a focus on marginalised and underserved communities.
For more information on the OECD network of foundations working for development (netFWD) please visit: https://www.oecd.org/en/networks/network-of-foundations-working-for-development.html
For further information, please contact:
Mohamed Al-Amri
Senior Media Relations Specialist
Email: msalih@eaa.org.qa
Mobile: +974 5000 9960
Patience Rusare
Senior Media Specialist
Email: parusare@eaa.org.qa
Mobile: +974 5993 1560
