Dublin, 24th September 2026- World Vision Ireland has welcomed Ireland's commitment of €40 million to the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) for 2026-2030, announced by Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora, Neale Richmond TD, during UN High-Level Week in New York.

The funding will support efforts to improve learning outcomes, strengthen accountability and build more inclusive and resilient education systems in lower-income countries around the world.

The announcement comes at a critical time for global education. Today, more than 270 million children remain out of school, with conflict, displacement, poverty and climate-related disasters continuing to deny millions of children their right to learn.

Globally, World Vision's education programmes reached 5.7 million children and adolescents in 2025, trained more than 21,000 teachers and mobilised 200,000 parents and caregivers to support children's learning. Through its close collaboration with the Global Partnership for Education and its wider education work, World Vision helps strengthen equitable, inclusive and resilient education systems that reach the most vulnerable children.

Gillian Barnett, CEO of World Vision Ireland, said:

"We warmly welcome Ireland's commitment to the Global Partnership for Education. Education is one of the most effective investments we can make in a child's future, offering children the opportunity to learn, thrive and reach their full potential.

At a time when millions of children face barriers to education due to conflict, displacement and poverty, this funding will help strengthen education systems and create opportunities for some of the world's most vulnerable children.

We are proud to have contributed to the collective advocacy effort through INEW and are encouraged to see Ireland continue its longstanding support for global education."

The announcement follows a recent event hosted by World Vision Ireland, Plan International Ireland, Save the Children in Ireland and UNICEF Ireland during Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union, which examined how children can be better protected and prioritised in humanitarian action.

At the event, young people shared their perspectives directly with policymakers and practitioners. One youth participant, Lailat from Tanzania, highlighted the life-changing importance of education, stating:

"No amount of motivation can ever equal education."

World Vision Ireland said the young person's words serve as a reminder that education is not simply a development goal but a fundamental right and a pathway to opportunity, dignity and hope.

The Global Partnership for Education is the world's largest partnership dedicated to strengthening education systems in lower-income countries. Ireland's contribution will help partner countries improve access to quality education and build systems that are better equipped to respond to future challenges and crises.

ENDS

Interviews are available with World Vision Ireland representatives. For further information or to organise an interview, please contact: Róisín Drayne, Senior Communications Manager, at roisin.drayne@worldvision.ie or +353 87 4897066.  

Notes to editors

World Vision is a global Christian relief, development and advocacy organisation dedicated to working with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender.  World Vision carries out lifesaving humanitarian efforts with investments from numerous partners, including institutional donors, faith-based organisations, corporations and governments. For more information, please visit www.worldvision.ie. 

• Ireland has pledged €40 million to the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) for the period 2026-2030.
• More than 270 million children worldwide are currently out of school.
• World Vision Ireland participated in advocacy efforts through the Irish Network for Education Worldwide (INEW) in support of continued Irish investment in global education.
• The Global Partnership for Education works with governments and partners to strengthen education systems and improve learning outcomes in lower-income countries.