IFGE Objectives

Objective 1
Serve as a space for dialogue on education in development and emergencies at national level, with a specific emphasis on sharing research, knowledge, and information between Forum members and the wider education, development and social justice communities.

Objective 2
Promote the visibility of Ireland’s role in education for development at national and international level

Objective 3
Contribute to policy processes and practice in Irish development aid for education in development and in emergency with particular emphasis on policy coherence, preparedness, response and recovery

Objective 4
Maximise collaboration, synergies and complementarities among different Irish actors involved in education for development

Objective 5
Promote good practice approaches in monitoring and evaluating education for development interventions.

Objective 6
Facilitate capacity-building opportunities for Forum members and their developing-country partners and projects

Objective 7
Promote the role and engagement of qualified teachers in quality education for all

Objective 8
Promote gender equality in education

Objective 9
Advocate for adequate financing for education in development, including in Ireland’s development aid and humanitarian aid, in multi-lateral partnerships and at regional and global levels.

Human Rights
Education is a human right within the broader framework of universal and indivisible human rights.

Quality Education
Quality education is central to realising the right to inclusive and equitable education for all. Teachers are central to quality education. Education policy must recognise teachers as professionals, their right to organise, and the obligations inherent in the UNESCO Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers.

Leaving no one behind
Equity, non-discrimination and inclusion in education and through education is central to this ambition.

Strong, public systems, leadership and governance in the education sector
The state is the primary duty-bearer to ensure equitable, inclusive and quality lifelong learning opportunities for all.

Financing for public education
The Forum supports the Global Campaign for Education’s demand for increased domestic financing for education to at least 20% of budget and 6% of GDP, and to expand the domestic revenue base through tax justice.

Education in emergency
Development aid policy must make specific provision for the education of refugees, migrants and the displaced, for example, by supporting global funds such as Education Cannot Wait.

Democracy and peace
Inclusive, equitable and quality education for all is central to creating and sustaining democratic society and ensuring peace, social justice and human rights, including trade union rights.