AUK Hosts Global Partnership for Education CEO for Dialogue on the Global Learning Crisis and Innovative Education Financing

AUK welcomed Laura Frigenti, CEO of the Global Partnership for Education (GPE), for a campus visit and student engagement session addressing the escalating global education crisis, Kuwait’s leadership in development cooperation, and the role of innovative education financing in expanding access to quality learning worldwide.

During the visit, AUK students participated in a dynamic discussion highlighting the urgency of the global learning crisis, with 270 million children currently out of school due to conflict, economic pressures, and tightening global budgets. The conversation emphasized that education remains a cornerstone of human capital development, economic growth, and global stability, and that delayed action risks long-term and irreversible consequences.

The session also spotlighted Kuwait’s longstanding leadership in Arab development cooperation, particularly through the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED). For decades, Kuwait has played a central role in supporting economic transformation in low-income countries, reinforcing its global reputation for humanitarian and development leadership.

Speakers highlighted the impact of the collaboration between GPE and KFAED, demonstrating how high-leverage education financing can expand access to quality education and multiply social and economic returns. By combining development finance with grant co-financing, the partnership has delivered results at scale. For example, KFAED’s $20 million investment in Nigeria unlocked an additional $6.67 million in GPE grant funding, significantly expanding learning opportunities for large populations.

Students were also introduced to GPE’s new financing campaign, which aims to unlock innovative funding for education amid global fiscal constraints. The initiative presents partners such as KFAED with an opportunity to multiply their impact and accelerate progress toward inclusive, quality education for millions of children worldwide.

“Speaking with students at the American University of Kuwait reminded me why education matters so deeply. Your generation has the talent and responsibility to shape a more inclusive, prosperous, and peaceful world, and global partnerships in education exist to support that journey,” said Laura Frigenti, CEO of GPE.

Dr. Mohammed Ali, AUK representative, added:

“Engaging with the Global Partnership for Education and Ms. Laura Frigenti offered AUK students a vital perspective on how education financing, systemic reform, and gender equity shape opportunities in crisis-affected and underdeveloped regions. This dialogue reflects AUK’s academic mission to foster globally minded graduates through meaningful engagement with international education leaders and collaborative solutions to shared global challenges.”

The visit reflects AUK’s ongoing dedication to fostering meaningful dialogue, global engagement, and educational opportunities that empower students to become active contributors to international development and social impact.