Laura Frigenti, CEO of the Global Partnership for Education (GPE), engaged with students at the American University of Kuwait to discuss the escalating global education crisis, Kuwait’s role in development leadership, and the impact of innovative education financing. The discussion emphasized the urgency of the learning crisis, noting that 270 million children worldwide remain out of school due to conflict, economic pressures, and tightening global budgets. Speakers highlighted education as a cornerstone of human capital, economic growth, and global stability, warning that delayed action could result in long-term, irreversible losses.
The session also showcased Kuwait’s longstanding leadership in Arab development cooperation, particularly through the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED). Kuwait has been instrumental in driving economic transformation across low-income countries, demonstrating sustained humanitarian and development leadership. The discussion illustrated how collaboration between GPE and KFAED leverages development finance alongside grant cofinancing to expand access to quality education and multiply social and economic returns. An example highlighted was KFAED’s $20 million investment in Nigeria, which unlocked an additional $6.67 million in GPE grant funding, expanding learning opportunities for large populations.
Students were introduced to GPE’s new financing campaign, designed to unlock innovative funding for education despite global fiscal constraints. The campaign provides partners like KFAED with opportunities to amplify their impact, accelerate progress toward inclusive, quality education, and reach millions of children. Laura Frigenti emphasized that the global education crisis requires bold leadership and innovative financing, praising Kuwait’s commitment to development cooperation and highlighting how strategic investments can significantly expand the reach and impact of development assistance.
