37th & The World: The Global Education Challenge

"Education is in crisis—a crisis of performance, a crisis of resources, and hence, the whole trajectory of society is in crisis." – Laura Frigenti, CEO of the Global Partnership for Education (GPE).

GPE has transformed global education funding, ensuring that children in over 90 countries—especially in low-income and fragile states—receive access to quality learning opportunities. From mobilizing $11 billion in education financing to pioneering innovative funding models, GPE continues to adapt to the evolving global education landscape.

In this thought-provoking episode, Ali Unar from GJIA sat down with Laura Frigenti, who shared her strategic vision for tackling the education crisis. They explore how sustainable financing can be achieved in rapidly growing populations, the role of developed nations in closing the funding gap, and how GPE tailors its strategies to fragile and crisis-affected regions.

Frigenti also discusses the intersection of education and climate resilience, emphasizing the power of education as a tool for adaptation in vulnerable communities. She also discusses GPE’s push to equip students with 21st-century skills, ensuring that learners gain the competencies needed for the future workforce beyond basic literacy.

Since stepping into her role as CEO, Frigenti has prioritized expanding partnerships, scaling innovation, and exploring new financing models to drive sustainable change.