Dubai Cares has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative, the Global Education Solutions Accelerator (GESA), aimed at transforming education for 2.1 billion people across 10 countries by 2030. This announcement, made by H.E. Dr. Tariq Al Gurg, the Chief Executive Officer and Vice-Chairman of Dubai Cares, took place during his keynote address at COP28 UAE. GESA is set to revolutionize the education sector by facilitating collaborative efforts between countries and international entities to expedite the implementation of innovative education solutions.
- GESA Launch: Dubai Cares introduces the Global Education Solutions Accelerator (GESA) at COP28, aiming to revolutionize education for 2.1 billion people across 10 countries by 2030.
- Strategic Collaboration: In partnership with the Aga Khan Foundation, GESA facilitates collaboration between countries and international entities, leveraging a diverse network to fast-track the implementation of innovative education solutions.
- Accelerated Transformation: GESA, designed by Dubai Cares, offers countries targeted technical support, enabling them to identify and implement flexible and adaptable solutions aligned with their national ambitions, significantly reducing the time required for systems transformation.
- Holistic Approach: The Accelerator’s comprehensive support extends beyond government collaboration, focusing on learners, youth, teachers, parents, and communities. Dubai Cares further solidifies its commitment by integrating climate adaptation into the education agenda in collaboration with the Global Center on Adaptation.
In collaboration with the Aga Khan Foundation, Dubai Cares intends to kickstart education transformation in 10 countries participating in the Schools2030 program. These nations, including Afghanistan, Brazil, India, Kenya, Kyrgyz Republic, Pakistan, Portugal, Tajikistan, Tanzania, and Uganda, represent a combined population of 2.1 billion. The transformative changes proposed aim to empower children and youth by providing them with the necessary values, skills, knowledge, and experiences to address contemporary challenges and drive socio-economic growth within their respective countries.
The Accelerator, designed by Dubai Cares, is a strategic mechanism that will enable countries to leverage the expertise of a diverse network of international partners. Led by key organizations such as multilateral entities, UN agencies, international NGOs, and development banks, the Accelerator will offer tailored advice to countries based on their national ambitions and job market needs. This collaborative approach seeks to prepare the next generation with the essential knowledge and skills required for steering economies toward a prosperous and sustainable future.
The Global Education Solutions Accelerator is not only focused on providing technical support but also aims to expedite the identification and implementation of flexible and adaptable solutions. This approach is expected to significantly reduce the time traditionally required for systems transformation. By fostering a whole-of-society ecosystem approach to education transformation, GESA is poised to redefine how the global education sector collaborates on a global scale.
In a high-level session at COP28‘s World Climate Action Summit, attended by heads of state and distinguished speakers, H.E. Dr. Tariq Al Gurg emphasized the urgency of addressing existing gaps in education. The partnership with the Aga Khan Foundation was highlighted as a strategic move, aligning with Dubai Cares’ mission to actively transform education systems globally.
Moreover, in an additional announcement during the same event, a partnership between Dubai Cares and the Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) was revealed. This collaboration aims to integrate climate adaptation into the education agenda and reciprocally embed the education agenda into climate adaptation priorities. The partnership emphasizes the critical role of young people in leading the way towards a climate-resilient future.
The Accelerator’s comprehensive support to countries will extend beyond government collaboration, focusing on learners, youth, teachers, parents, and communities. The program will encourage cross-sectoral collaboration and ensure alignment with countries’ goals through a combination of programming, research, and advocacy efforts.
Further details about the Global Education Solutions Accelerator will be disclosed at the RewirEd Summit on December 8th, hosted within COP28’s Green Zone at the Connect Conference Centre, Expo City Dubai. The summit aims to position education transformation at the forefront of climate action, bringing together over 200 speakers from various sectors.
Dubai Cares, with its rich history spanning 16 years and global experience in advancing access to quality education, remains committed to its mission of providing children and youth in developing countries with educational opportunities. The organization’s initiatives have reached over 21 million beneficiaries across 60 developing countries. As a vital player in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4, Dubai Cares continues to champion inclusive and quality education for all, promoting lifelong learning by 2030.
