In 2015, all 193 United Nations member states adopted the Sustainable Development Goals, including goal 4 with the ambitious promise of ensuring quality, inclusive, and equitable education for all by 2030.

We have only five years left to fulfill this commitment and with it, the future of hundreds of millions of children and young people.

My country, Haiti, has taught me that even during crises, education remains a weapon of resilience, peace, and hope.

As education minister, I witnessed teachers standing tall in improvised classrooms after earthquakes, hurricanes, or gang violence. I saw children going to school primarily to receive a meal but leaving with knowledge and confidence that changed their lives.

These local realities now resonate across the globe: education is our most precious common good, yet it remains too often underfunded and neglected.

A historic turning point: GPE’s 5^th financing campaign

This is why the launch of GPE’s 5^th financing campaign during the 2025 United Nations General Assembly is of vital importance.

In a world marked by climate crises, conflicts, widening inequalities, and accelerating technology that risks leaving millions behind, we need nothing less than a paradigm shift in education financing.

This is not only a matter of moral solidarity. It is a strategic investment in global stability, prosperity, and peace. Every dollar invested in education translates into lives saved, more resilient economies, more inclusive societies, and stronger democracies.

The GPE model: A unique alliance for impact

Significantly increasing domestic financing for education is now an urgent priority. National budgets must reflect the central importance of investing in youth by enabling education systems to equip learners with 21^st-century skills.

But beyond domestic budgets, we must also better align international financing and invest in what works.

Evidence and innovations shared through platforms like the Knowledge & Innovation Exchange (KIX) show that when collective expertise is put at the service of countries, it has a multiplier effect. It allows for the adaptation of local solutions, avoids duplication, and maximizes the impact of every national and international dollar invested.

This is why GPE offers such a rare and powerful model. GPE is not only a financing mechanism: it is a formidable alliance bringing together governments, civil society, universities, teachers, youth, the private sector, and technical and financial partners.

This coalition based on cooperation is a guarantee of transformation. It allows us to pool efforts to achieve greater impact in building a more prosperous and stable world with fewer conflicts.

Turning the countdown into opportunity

The countdown to 2030 reminds us of the urgency of the moment. But it also reveals a tremendous opportunity: to make education the foundation of a better world order, one that is fairer, more prosperous, and more peaceful.

As High-Level Envoy and Advisor to GPE, I embrace this mission with humility and determination. My commitment is simple: to help ensure that every child, every young person, wherever they are, has access to an education that opens doors, creates opportunities, and multiplies possibilities.

We have five years left. The time to act is now.