Investing in Futures: Education Cannot Wait Reaches 14 Million Children in Crises Worldwide

With a strong emphasis on equity and inclusion, 51% of those reached are girls, and 43% are refugee or internally displaced children. The report demonstrates that ECW investments are driving measurable improvements: more children are enrolling, staying in school, and learning both academic and social-emotional skills. Positive shifts in gender norms are also contributing to more equitable access and participation.   With a strong emphasis on equity and inclusion, 51% of those reached are girls,...

NEW YORK, 18/09/2025 (informazione.news - comunicati stampa - istruzione e formazione)

With a strong emphasis on equity and inclusion, 51% of those reached are girls, and 43% are refugee or internally displaced children. The report demonstrates that ECW investments are driving measurable improvements: more children are enrolling, staying in school, and learning both academic and social-emotional skills. Positive shifts in gender norms are also contributing to more equitable access and participation.  

"This progress reflects the unique strength of ECW's strategic model and the unwavering commitment of our global coalition of partners. This is not just coordination, it is a shared commitment translating into collective action," said Sigrid Kaag, Chair of the ECW High-Level Steering Group.  

The report captures the collective efforts of more than 100 partners – including host governments, UN agencies, local and international civil society organisations, philanthropic foundations and private sector leaders – who came together in 2024 to deliver education in some of the world's most complex crises.

At the systems level, ECW's model of rapid response and multi-year programming continues to strengthen coordination and partnerships across the humanitarian-development-peace nexus, with increased support to local partners and national ownership.

In 2024, 39% of ECW's US$202 million disbursements were allocated to countries classified as 'forgotten crises' – such as Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Haiti, Lebanon, Mali, Myanmar, Nigeria and South Sudan – underscoring the Fund's commitment to reaching children in the most overlooked and underfunded emergencies.

The report also shows ECW and partners' increased focus on the intersection of the climate crisis and the education crisis, with 41% of children reached in 2023–2024 – i.e. 3.4 million girls and boys – reached by programmes that supported climate change adaptation.

Despite these achievements, the report warns of a growing funding gap. By the end of 2024, ECW had mobilized US$934 million towards its 2023–2026 Strategic Plan, approximately two-thirds of its target. However, US$113 million in pledged contributions remain unpaid.

Meanwhile, escalating conflicts, forced displacement and climate-induced disasters are driving unprecedented humanitarian needs. Education systems in crisis-affected contexts are pushed to the brink, with an estimated 234 million crisis-affected children and adolescents requiring urgent education support – an 18% increase compared to three years ago. 

Yet, education remains one of the most underfunded sectors in humanitarian responses. In 2024, only 30% of education funding requirements were met in humanitarian appeals, despite education representing just 5.4% of total Global Humanitarian Overview requirements.

"Education is our best – if not the only – hope for children enduring the brunt of crises. To continue our work, and protect the significant results achieved, we are asking for renewed financial contributions from our public and private sector partners. We also look forward to expanded commitments through new innovative partnerships," said Kaag.      

To meet its US$1.5 billion resource mobilization goal by the end of 2026, ECW requires an additional US$567 million in contributions. With this support, ECW and its partners can deliver quality education to 20 million children who need it most. Without decisive action, millions risk being left behind – not due to a lack of solutions, but because of chronic underinvestment.

Key Results Highlights

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