Doha, Qatar 9 December 2024 - Education Above All Foundation, a global development and education foundation, concluded its Doha Forum participation with a high-level panel discussion focused on debt, innovative financing, and solutions to support education.      Held on 8 December 2024, the session aligned with Doha Forum’s objectives of creating a collaborative platform for addressing global issues, promoting sustainable solutions, and fostering impactful networks.

Global thought leaders participated in the panel discussion, including Her Excellency Paula Ingabire, Minister of Information Communication Technology and Innovation, Republic of Rwanda, Mr. Fahad Al Sulaiti, Director-General of the Qatar Fund For Development; Laura Frigenti, Chief Executive Officer, Global Partnership for Education; Dr. Hiba Ahmed, Director-General of the Islamic Solidarity Fund for Development, Islamic Development Bank; Fatima Yasmin, Vice-President, Asian Development Bank; Moderated by Dr. Safwan Masry, Dean of Georgetown University in Qatar.

EAA Foundation and its partners addressed three interconnected themes: the high number of out-of-school children (OOSC), the education funding gap intensified by rising debt burdens, and innovative solutions to tackle these global challenges.         

The panel provided insights into Education access, quality, and relevance, focusing on how rising debt pressures influence education budgets. Participants explored partnership-driven approaches to increasing domestic education spending, presented alternative funding models, and introduced a country pilot initiative as a new model for educational financial sustainability.

Mohammed Al Kubaisi, Acting CEO of EAA Foundation, said: “As we confront significant funding challenges faced by low-income and low-middle-income countries in financing education, our discussion at the Doha Forum reflects EAA Foundation’s commitment to providing equitable access to quality education across the globe. The recent UNESCO GEM Report 1 highlights a national average financing gap of $97 billion per year to achieve SDG 4, emphasizing the critical need for innovative funding solutions. Through creative financial solutions and inclusive investments, we can bridge the gap, empower future generations, and build a more equitable and prosperous future.”    

Education Above All Foundation 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.

The Doha Forum, held annually in Qatar, serves as a global platform for dialogue and collaboration. It brings together leaders from governments, international organizations, businesses, and civil society to address some of the world’s pressing issues. Covering topics including security, economic development, climate change, and education, the Forum plays a key role in shaping international policies and promoting peace and prosperity across regions.