#learningneverstops

COL has joined partners from across the globe to support countries in scaling up their best distance learning practices and reaching children and youth who are most affected by COVID19 via the Global Education Coalition.

Launched by UNESCO, the new initiative brings together the experience and expertise of multilateral partners, the private sector, philanthropic and non-profit organisations, and media outlets.

“Never before have we witnessed educational disruption on such a scale,” said UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay, in a press release. “Partnership is the only way forward. This Coalition is a call for coordinated and innovative action to unlock solutions that will not only support learners and teachers now, but through the recovery process, with a principle focus on inclusion and equity.”

Current members include the International Labor Organisation, the UN High Commission for Refugees, The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the World Health Organisation, the World Bank, the World Food Programme, along with Microsoft, Google, Facebook, Coursera, the Khan Academy, Sesame Street, and others.

COL President and CEO Professor Asha Kanwar said, “For over 30 years, COL has been helping Commonwealth member states and institutions use technologies to expand access to quality education and training, and we are ready to lend our voice and expertise to meet this unprecedented global challenge.”