Rio de Janeiro: Education Above All (EAA) Foundation hosted a high-level event on education and sustainability during the G20 Leaders Summit in Rio de Janeiro. The ‘Catalyzing Change: Educations Role in Building a Just and Sustainable Future’ event was hosted in collaboration with the OECD Network of Foundations Working for Development (netFWD), and Fundação Getulio Vargas Division for the Development of Public Management and Educational Policies (FGV-DGPE).
According to Qatar News Agency, 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 actionab
le insights on the transformative power of education.
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.
Acting CEO of EAA, Mohamed Al Kubaisi, emphasized the need for these discussions: “To achieve sustainable development goals and ensure equitable access to quality education, we must prioritize 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.” Director of the Public Management and Educational Policy Development Division at Fundação Getulio Vargas, Henrique Paim, stated 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.
Deputy Director of the OECD Development Centre, Federico Bonaglia, 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.
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 marginalized and underserved communities.