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Global Section:
Upcoming IIEP Policy Forum: Challenges of financing basic education
Revisiting solutions involving the private sector 9-10 September 2010, Paris
The quantitative and qualitative expansion of basic education, as well as the achievement of EFA goals, call for devoting more financial resources to education systems. In developing countries, public funding for educational development is usually insufficient. Thus government resources are often complemented by development partner funding, household and community contributions, and public–private partnerships.
Including private entities in efforts to support education development is not a new idea. But where should this private support come from? Parents’ contributions, long seen as a useful complement to public funding, are now considered more as a barrier to reaching the poorest segments of society.
Furthermore, lining up private sector efforts on broader policy frameworks and strategies is becoming a challenge for many governments.
Overall objective and themes
This Policy Forum aims to review policies, strategies, experiences, and lessons learned regarding:
- household expenditures and economic barriers to basic education;
- fee-free policies for primary education;
- private provision of education at the basic level; and
- public–private partnerships for basic education.
The overall objective of the Forum is to take stock of the challenges of financing basic education and to revisit solutions involving the private sector.
Organization
The Policy Forum will bring together ministerial and institutional policymakers and planners, researchers working on this issue, and representatives from international agencies.
With reference to IIEP’s ongoing research and extensive experience, the Forum will allow participants to engage in an informed debate on the current challenges of financing basic education, with a particular emphasis on private sector solutions.
Some 50 participants will convene from a wide range of countries. Plenary sessions will provide opportunities for open debate, and will alternate with group sessions for enhanced interaction and dialogue.
Resources
Related links
Leaders for Education Series
Paul Farmer, UN Deputy Special Envoy for Haiti
Angélique Kidjo, Singer-songwriter and founder of The Batonga Foundation
Hilde F. Johnson, Deputy Executive Director of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)
John T. Chambers, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Cisco
Ana Ivanovic, professional tennis player
Navanethem Pillay, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights
Ela Bhatt, the founder of the Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA)