OSLO/WASHINGTON D.C., May 20, 2026 — The Global Partnership for Education (GPE) today welcomed a $10 million pledge from the Let’s Build Foundation, announced during a discussion on global education hosted by internationally acclaimed Norwegian author Jo Nesbø in Oslo.

Held at Restaurant Schrøder — featured throughout Jo Nesbø’s Harry Hole novels and known to many viewers from the recent Netflix adaptation Jo Nesbø's Detective Hole — the event brought together youth representatives, philanthropy leaders, civil society organizations and government officials to discuss the importance of investing in education in an increasingly unstable world.

Nesbø also joined a conversation with the Workers' Youth League (AUF) and Norwegian Students' and Academics' International Assistance Fund (SAIH) on the catalytic role education can play in promoting stability, opportunity and long-term resilience.

The event forms part of GPE’s Multiply Possibility campaign, co-hosted by the Prime Minister of Italy, Giorgia Meloni, and the President of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which aims to mobilize $5 billion in financing for education and unlock an additional $10 billion in partner funding to help transform learning opportunities for up to 750 million children in more than 90 countries.

“Through our investment in education and our work building schools and learning environments in partnership with local communities and governments, we see how access to education can create opportunity and strengthen human potential and communities over the long term,” said Mette Johansen, CEO of Let’s Build Foundation. “We are proud to stand alongside GPE and partners working to ensure more children and young people have access to quality education. This pledge reflects our belief that education remains one of the strongest foundations for opportunity, resilience and social stability.”

The program featured a discussion between Jo Nesbø and youth representatives on education, youth expectations of political leadership and Norway’s engagement in global education financing, followed by a broader exchange with stakeholders from government, philanthropy, civil society and the private sector.

“At a time when conflict, inequality and uncertainty are affecting millions of children and young people, education remains one of the most important investments we can make,” said Jo Nesbø, author and Chairman of the Harry Hole Foundation. “Education creates opportunity, strengthens societies and gives young people hope for the future. I’m proud to support the Global Partnership for Education and the effort to expand access to learning.”

The need for investment in education is urgent. Around the world, education systems are being strained by conflict, displacement, climate shocks, debt, and widening inequality. For millions of children, especially girls and those living in crisis-affected contexts, the right to learn remains out of reach.

“We are deeply grateful for the support and leadership shown by Jo Nesbø, the Harry Hole Foundation and Let’s Build Foundation,” said Laura Frigenti, CEO of the Global Partnership for Education. “At a moment when millions of children risk being left behind by conflict, poverty and displacement, partnerships like these are essential. Through the Multiply Possibility campaign, GPE is working to help countries strengthen their education systems and expand opportunity for the next generation.”

A fully funded GPE would help deliver transformative results, including:

• 204 million more children in school, half of them girls
• 105 million children learning more effectively
• 23 million people lifted out of poverty
• $840 billion added to the global economy
• $7.7 billion saved in climate-related damage

Notes to editors

• Access GPE B-roll
• Read GPE Case for Investment

For more information:

• Tamara Kummer, GPE Head of Communications @email Tel: +1 202 948 5395

About the Global Partnership for Education

GPE is a shared commitment to ending the world’s learning crisis. We mobilize partners and funds to support over 90 countries to transform their education systems so that every girl and boy can get the quality education they need to unlock their full potential and contribute to building a better world.
www.globalpartnership.org