About IWGE

Links to other networks

An overview of 14 other agency networks,
including short descriptions and contacts
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Publications:

Advancing in education: reaching rural people, developing capacities
Report of the International Working Group on Education (IWGE) Meeting Rome, Italy, 12-14 June 2006

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Progress in Education for All: focus on governance
Report of the International Working Group on Education (IWGE) Meeting Washington DC, USA, 19-21 October 2004


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Critical issues in Education for All: gender parity, emergencies
Report of the International Working Group on Education (IWGE) Meeting Tuusula-Helsinki,Finland, 23-25 June 2003


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The oldest and most comprehensive inter-agency network

IWGE is an informal group of aid agencies and foundations. It was created in 1972 to enable donor agencies to exchange information and work closely together on education issues. Since 1982, it has devoted itself to the development and promotion of basic education. It played a catalytic role in the Education for All (EFA) Conference in Jomtien.

40 to 50 participants representing some 25 to 30 organizations attend meetings

The IWGE meets, on average, once every 18 months. Participants discuss issues of common interest relating to international co-operation in the field of education. Sessions are structured around three themes:

  • sharing of information on agencies' activities
  • discussions of one or several substantive topics relating to current challenges in education development
  • discussions on aid modalities and improvement of interagency co-operation.

Membership and management

Membership is open to all aid agencies and foundations involved in education development work, either multilateral or bilateral, governmental or non-governmental.
A planning committee, assisted by a secretariat, ensures management. Members of the committee include: the Aga Khan Foundation, the IBRD, the Swedish Co-operation Agency (Sida), UNICEF, UNESCO, USAID, and DFID. The secretariat is provided by the IIEP.