The closure of schools, universities and educational programmes in the wake of the COVID pandemic has led to a disruption in learning of a magnitude never experienced in recent history.

The pandemic has amplified social, economic and digital inequalities, putting a generation at risk of a learning catastrophe. But it has also reminded us of the centrality of education for every society, as a common good and the bedrock of social cohesion, well-being and opportunity.

But even prior to the pandemic the international community’s commitment in the form of Sustainable Development Goal 4 to ‘ensure inclusive and equitable quality education for all’ was at serious risk.

In this joint presentation to mark Commonwealth Day the founding co-chairs of the International Parliamentary Network for Education, Senator Dr Getrude Musuruve of Kenya and Harriett Baldwin MP of the United Kingdom will explain why growing political leadership in support of education is essential to accelerating educational progress.

They will share recommendations for governments and multilateral organisations, including the Commonwealth, can secure more and better funding for education, improve learning outcomes and ensure that no child is left behind.

Senator Dr Getrude Musuruve

Hon Senator Dr Musuruve is a cancer survivor and a woman with a physical disability. In 2017 she was nominated to represent People with Disabilities in the Kenyan Senate.She sponsored the Kenyan Sign Language Bill which is progressing well to becoming law and currently working on two other bills that seek to transform the lives of children and persons with disabilities.

She currently serves on the Standing Committee on Education, the Committee on National Cohesion, Integration and Equal Opportunities and the Committee on Tourism, Trade and Industrialisation (Vice-Chair).

She is a former primary and secondary school teacher and university lecture and holds a Doctoral degree in Mass Communication, Masters degree in Applied linguistics, First Class Honours degree in Special Education and a diploma in education.

Hon Harriett Baldwin MP

Harriett was elected as a Member of the UK Parliament in May 2010. Between 2018 and 2019 Harriett served as Minister for Africa and Minister of State for International Development, with responsibility for children, global education and youth.

Harriett has also served as Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Minister for Employment, Economic Secretary to the Treasury and Parliamentary Under Secretary of State responsible for Defence Procurement.

She is currently Chair of the British Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, as well as Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Global Education, and a member of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly and a member of both the Treasury Committee and the House of Commons Finance Committee.

Registration: Attendance at the event is strictly by invitation only and early booking is essential as the number of places is very limited. Invitations will be sent to individuals who have registered their attendance.

To avoid disappointment, please RESERVE your place now on Eventbrite HERE, or email us on secretariat@cecomm.org.uk