The 2012 IWGE meeting focused on learning and on the central topic of From schooling to learning. It provided a forum for agencies and foundations whether engaged in or funding education to exchange views, scrutinize issues, develop a common understanding, and discuss strategies for intervention to maximize learning outcomes. The subjects debated included the poor state of student learning, effective systems for improving learning outcomes, impact evaluation, student assessment, investment priorities and action to enhance learning outcomes, and progress beyond the Millenium Development Goals (MDG) agenda in education.