BY DAYO ADESULU
Seven-person committee has reappointed Alice Albright as Chief Executive Officer of the Global Partnership for Education.
Following a global search and competitive selection process, Ms Albright will be re-appointed for another three-year term. Albright is to serve as Chief Executive officer of Global Partnership for Education through to February 2023.
“I am very grateful for the privilege and opportunity to lead the Secretariat through the coming period. And humbled by the confidence demonstrated in me,” Ms Albright said.
We must tackle the global learning crisis
“We must tackle the deep-seated constraints to addressing the global learning crisis, which disproportionately affect girls. And the poorest and most vulnerable children. It is simply unacceptable that close to 620 million children are being denied a quality education. Either because they are not in a classroom or they are in school but not learning.”
“I pledge to roll up my sleeves and use the powerful set of levers. That the Global Partnership for Education has developed to help government partners strengthen their education systems. And drive equitable learning outcomes for the most vulnerable children.”
Under Ms Albright’s leadership since February 2013, GPE had matured into a dynamic thriving partnership and innovative fund.
Albright many achievements in three years
She has visited 20 developing country partners to engage senior leadership and has repurposed GPE’s business approach. Albright had also introduced a new results-based funding model, a multiplier fund and a groundbreaking knowledge and innovation exchange.
During her tenure, the partnership has expanded with 14 new developing countries. Committing to the GPE principles and substantial new donor financing. The primary focus on driving up domestic government budgets has seen record levels of additional finance flow to education.
“Long-standing donors ratcheted up their support for GPE at last year’s Financing Conference. I was particularly pleased to see us broaden into new regions and welcome new partners,” Ms Albright said.
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“The US$100 million contribution from the United Arab Emirates and the operational engagement of the Islamic Development Bank are unprecedented.
The UN Refugee Agency, UNHCR, joining our Board strengthened the partnership’s ability to address the education needs of the most vulnerable children. And the recent inclusion of a new board seat to represent the private sector opens up powerful new opportunities.”
Seven-person Committee reappoint Ms Albright
Julia Gillard, Chair of the GPE Board of Directors led six-person selection committee, which unanimously reappoint Ms Albright, It included representatives from the major Board constituencies and was assisted by an executive search firm.
“In addition to the skills and energy that Alice brings to the position, her reappointment gives the partnership a boost. And the Secretariat the benefit of continuity as we move onward and upward.
“GPE can now look ahead with confidence to further improving our impact on systems strengthening and learning equity. It also develops our new strategic plan and launching the next replenishment campaign,” Ms Gillard said.
