Canada’s G7 presidency a critical test for our next prime minister

Canada’s incoming prime minister will have the honour of hosting leaders at this year’s G7 Summit in June and the stakes are higher than ever.  Of course, many Canadians want our next leader to make it clear that “Canada is not for sale”, but there’s another critical opportunity. In a time of rising violence and instability, Canada can build on its legacy of success at past summits and cement our status as not just peacekeepers, but peacebuilders.

This is our time to influence world leaders to make renewed commitments to global education as the most viable long-term solution to the inequality and polarization that contributes to the violent extremism that threatens everyone. We’ve done it before. From Muskoka to Charlevoix, Canada has a well-earned reputation for getting things done on the global stage and helping to protect the lives and futures of millions of children and youth who have been affected by war, climate change and disaster. But those funds have run dry and the work is far from over.

We can’t let Canadian political uncertainty get in the way. Because the impact of conflict, crisis and gender inequality on global education remains the same, regardless of our next Prime Minister’s political stripes. Solidifying existing pledges to commitments like the Muskoka Initiative on Maternal, Newborn and Child Health and the Charlevoix Education Initiative, is imperative. Ninety-one per cent of Canadians agree that having a quality education means more opportunities to live the lives we wish to live. Unfortunately, global crises and conflict continue to drastically deny 224 million children and adolescents their right to an education, and Canada’s contributions are not on-track to achieve the Charlevoix Education Initiative’s contribution targets, set to be met by 2026. We must do more. 

The Canadian International Education Policy Working Group, a coalition of some of Canada’s top charitable and nonprofit organizations such as Children Believe, Plan International Canada and Right to Play, are urging Canada’s new prime minister and global leaders to prioritize the power of education. It is imperative that those commitments are made to address conflict and crisis, while ensuring all children receive equal access to education.

As the G7 President, Canada has made great strides in past G8 and G7 Summits, committing $2.85 billion over a five-year period under the Muskoka Initiative; pledging an additional $3.5 billion at the International Summit in Toronto to help shape the future of child and maternal health; and leveraging US $5 billion in new and additional funding from G8 partners. The 2018 Charlevoix Initiative secured $3.2 billion in global commitments to help close the policy and funding gap in development-humanitarian responses. Canada’s direct contribution of $400-million changed the course for more than four million out-of-school children and youth. We just can’t quit when we’ve only really gotten started.

Quite simply, education saves lives. It’s essential for addressing the root causes of extremism through inclusivity and safety. Without investments in schools and curriculum reforms that emphasize peace education, we cannot protect vulnerable youth from radical extremism and recruitment. In the world’s toughest places we run the risk of a lost generation of children.

Canadian parents can appreciate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their child’s education. Globally, it further amplified existing barriers and educational gaps. If we don’t act now, this gap will only get worse because the global youth boom is here. The number of people between the ages of 15-30 is expected to grow to 1.3 billion by 2030. Without access to an education young people won’t have the knowledge or skills they need to succeed, leaving them further behind. It’s this kind of marginalization that fuels inequalities and extremist ideologies. That’s why it’s so important that we raise our voices and advocate for education, because it expands healing, recovery, and opportunities for children living on the margins. Fundamentally, it contributes to long-term world peace and security for everyone. We must act proactively, not reactively.

Indeed, Canada’s next prime minister has a pivotal leadership opportunity to build on Canada’s G7 legacy as a champion for the next generation and change the trajectory of rising inequality and extremism worldwide. We can overcome political and global uncertainty by prioritizing investments in global education as the necessary step forward to a more stable, equitable and humane future for all of us. It’s time to grow our proud legacy as peacekeepers and now peace builders. If we don’t, who will?

About Children Believe

Children Believe works globally to empower children to dream fearlessly, stand up for what they believe in — and be heard. For 60+ years, we’ve brought together brave young dreamers, caring supporters and partners, and unabashed idealists. Together, we’re driven by a common belief: creating access to education — inside and outside of classrooms — is the most powerful tool children can use to change their world.

About Childfund Alliance

A member of ChildFund Alliance, Children Believe is part of a global network of child-focused development organizations working to create opportunities for children and youth, their families and communities. ChildFund helps nearly 23-million children and their families in 70 countries overcome poverty and underlying conditions that prevent children from achieving their full potential. We work to end violence against children; provide expertise in emergencies and disasters to ease the harmful impact on children and their communities; and engage children and youth to create lasting change and elevate their voices in decisions that affect their lives.