It is with a deep sense of responsibility and commitment that I take over the role of Chair of the GPE Board of Directors. Kila ndege huruka na mbawa zake, as we say in Tanzania. “Every bird flies with their own wings”.
The Honorable Julia Gillard has flown with remarkable wings as she led GPE through a period of transformative change. There is no doubt in my mind that, because of her leadership, GPE is now seen as a key —if not “the”— player in the international education aid sector. Most critically, GPE is now seen as a trusted partnership to deliver impact at scale in dialogue and coordination with partners in up to 90 countries.
As Board Chair, I will seek to build on the legacy handed to me. But I will also fly with my own wings to support the GPE Board and the partnership in meeting the ambition that it set out for itself both in the GPE 2025 Strategy and at the Global Education Summit. We owe this to the millions of children —boys and girls— around the world who now, more than ever, are facing immense challenges in accessing quality education. We should not and cannot fail them. I count on all partners to meet the commitments we made during the Summit and beyond.
The GPE Board plays a critical role in guiding the partnership and ensuring that education remains at the center of the international agenda not as a distinct endeavor but as an enabler of much broader development outcomes including poverty alleviation, health equity and climate change mitigation. The Vice-Chair, Dr. Susan Liautaud, and I have clear marching orders so let us excel as we move forward with the task at hand.
I am humbled by the trust placed in me as I start my term as Chair of the GPE Board. Let me again thank the Honorable Julia Gillard and also give my sincere gratitude to Minister Serigne Mbaye Thiam for their leadership as they both leave an indelible mark on GPE.
Karibuni sana,
Jakaya Kikwete
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