UNGEI Global Advisory Committee Communique 2018

The UNGEI Global Advisory Committee (GAC) met in Ottawa, 11-13 December 2018. Co-hosted by Global Affairs Canada, the meeting brought together participants from more than 25 organisations, representing multilateral and bilateral agencies, academia, youth, and international, regional and national civil society organisations and networks.

The programme

The meeting commenced with a review of global and regional developments across the gender and education landscape during 2018, concluding with an opportunity for participants to consider achievements and challenges during the first year of implementing UNGEI’s Strategic Directions. Key themes explored in subsequent sessions through policy fora and roundtable discussions included comprehensive sexuality education (CSE), gender-responsive education sector planning (GRESP), and engaging men and boys in efforts to advance gender equality in and through education. The subject of the public forum held on day 2 concerned gender and education in contexts of conflict and crisis and featured a conversation with Chris MacLennan of Global Affairs Canada regarding commitments during the G7 Summit under Canada’s presidency.

The UNGEI communiqué

Reflecting on the programme, the meeting concluded with an opportunity for participants to explore opportunities for leveraging the growing momentum surrounding girls’ education and gender equality. The emerging communiqué captured key insights and learnings from the meeting, including participants’ commitments to progress the UNGEI partnership’s global agenda.