Contribution to the Geneva Global Hub for Education in Emergencies 2023-2025


Faced with the under-prioritisation of education in emergencies (EiE), members of the Geneva Global Hub for EiE (EiE Hub) have successfully formed an alliance to increase the visibility, political commitment and funding for EiE. Switzerland’s continued strong engagement with the EiE Hub will contribute to expand its membership, implement its 2022-2025 strategy and become a consolidated and financially sustainable entity. Through the EiE Hub, Switzerland aims to reinforce its policy dialogue and leader position on EiE, and to position International Geneva as the global centre for EiE.

Country/region Topic Period Budget
Global
Humanitarian Assistance & DRR
Education
Protection, access & security
Education policy
Primary education
01.10.2023 - 31.12.2025
CHF  1’000’000
Background Hmanitarian crises, conflict and displacement deny millions of children and youth their right to education. The number of crisis-impacted school-aged children requiring educational support has grown from an estimated 75 million in 2016, to 224 million today. Despite of being a fundamental human right and of playing a crucial role for protecting children from risks, EiE is consistently underprioritized and seriously underfunded since 2018, receiving just 22% of the funds requested in UN-led humanitarian appeals in 2021 – far less than other sectors. 
Objectives All children and youth affected by humanitarian emergencies, protracted crises, displacement and migration have their right to a quality education fulfilled, respected and protected.
Target groups Policy-makers and governments, Permanent Missions of the UN Member states and non-Member States, intergovernmental organizations, UN agencies, civil society, private sector entities and organisations, networks and coalitions from the human rights, protection, peace, displacement, climate and health sectors. Target groups for outreach and engagement are relevant media, members of the public and parliamentarians. Indirect target groups: Children and youth in crisis situations who need improved access to quality, safe and inclusive education. 
Medium-term outcomes
  1. A strong alliance of like-minded states and organisations come together to step up visibility and commitments for EiE, thereby catalysing integrated approaches 
  2. Policy-makers recognize the importance of and prioritize EiE (incl. funding) 
  3. Policy-makers take up quality EiE data and evidence
Results

Expected results:  

  • EiE actors in Geneva and beyond have been connected 
  • EiE challenges have been identified and mapped
  • Events have occurred where EiE expertise has been shared 
  • Research and data gaps have been identified and addressed in a gender-responsive way by the EiE Hub 
  • The EiE Hub is able to secure funding from other donors than Switzerland


Results from previous phases:  

  • 10 original members launched the EiE Hub in 2021; by 2023, membership increased to 43 members
  • Joint strategic vision among members in the 2022-2025 Strategy and corresponding work plan
  • Wide acclamation of the 2022 Flagship report on EiE Financing in the Wake of COVID-19
  • Recognition of Geneva as a place to promote financial innovative EiE mechanisms - leading to the organization of the Education Cannot Wait (ECW) High-Level Financing Conference (HLFC) in February 2023
  • Increased interest for Geneva as a centre for education, with more organisations engaged in education being based in Geneva


Directorate/federal office responsible SDC
Project partners Contract partner
International or foreign NGO
  • Other international or foreign NGO North
  • Geneva Global Hub for Education in Emergencies (EiE Hub)


Coordination with other projects and actors Interagency Network for Education in Emergencies (INEE), ECW, UNICEF, UNHCR, UNESCO, Global Education Cluster (GEC), International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Global Partnership for Education (GPE), Special rapporteur to the Right to Education, Graduate Institute, Network for International policies and cooperation in education (NORRAG), NGOs engaged in education (Save the Children, World Vision, etc.) 
Budget Current phase Swiss budget CHF    1’000’000 Swiss disbursement to date CHF    600’000 Total project since first phase Swiss budget CHF   766’343 Budget inclusive project partner CHF   2’244’760
Project phases Phase 1 01.10.2023 - 31.12.2025   (Current phase)