WASHINGTON — The ONE Campaign, the global anti-poverty and global health organization co-founded by Bono, released the following statement following the United States’ disappointing pledge to the Global Partnership for Education at its Global Education Summit. Advocates and bipartisan Members of Congress had called on the Biden administration to support a full pledge, $1 billion over five years, to GPE. However, the administration made an underwhelming $305 million over three years pledge. Collectively, global donors fell around $1 billion dollars short of the full funding needed by GPE.

Sarah Swinehart, Senior Director of Communications, North America

“Faced with a global pandemic that has pushed billions of children out of school, a cut to global education funding is extremely disappointing and will hinder the educational dreams and futures of countless children.

“In order to help today’s children become tomorrow’s doctors, educators, engineers, and farmers, we must ensure all children have the educational tools they need to unlock their full potential. It’s imperative that the bipartisan Members of Congress who have wisely championed full funding for GPE continue to support this vital program.”

Background

When COVID-19 swept the planet, more than 80 percent of the 1.2 billion children who were out of school lived in developing countries. Both the US House and the Senate issued bipartisan resolutions in support of GPE and Members sent numerous signals expressing their desire for the Biden administration to make a strong GPE pledge:

State, Foreign Operations and Related Appropriations Bill, 2022: “ The Committee encourages the Secretary of State to make a robust, multi-year commitment to GPE in its upcoming replenishment cycle.” [SFOPS Report FY22 July 2021]

Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Ed Markey (D-MA), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH): “As members of Congress who support United States leadership on global education, we urge your Administration to commit $1 billion over five years to support the 2021-2025 strategy for the Global Partnership for Education (GPE). U.S. leadership is needed now more than ever to ensure that COVID-19 setbacks are not long-lasting. With its innovative financing mechanisms, co-financing from development country partners, and results-based financing components, GPE’s approach will make bilateral U.S. foreign assistance go even further.” [Senate Letter to President Biden 6/10/21]

Representatives Derek Kilmer (D-WA-06), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01) and over 100 Members of the House of Representatives: “The financing conference in July is a critical moment for the U.S. to make a $1-billion, five-year pledge to the Global Partnership for Education. We encourage you to demonstrate our country’s enduring commitment to ensuring every child’s access to a quality basic education. We look forward to working with you to secure funding for this important initiative.” [House Letter to President Biden 7/15/21]