The Global Partnership for Education (GPE) welcomes two new high-level envoys and advisors to GPE: Serigne Mbaye Thiam, who previously served as Vice Chair of the GPE Board of Directors and as Minister of Education and Minister of Water and Sanitation of Senegal; and Ruth Kagia, previously Deputy Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor to former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta.
“We are delighted to welcome Serigne Mbaye Thiam and Ruth Kagia back into the GPE family as our first High-level Envoys and Advisors” said Laura Frigenti, CEO of the Global Partnership for Education. “They both have shown an unparalleled commitment to advancing education in their home countries and on the global stage, advocating for all children to receive 12 years of quality education.”
Their appointment comes at a critical time, amid a spiraling learning crisis and shrinking education budgets. Globally, seven out of 10 children are unable to read and understand a simple text by the age of 10. Since 2020, in nearly half of all low-income countries, education budgets have been cut by 14 percent on average, while external aid for education has dropped. In this challenging context, the two high-level envoys will support GPE’s efforts to leverage partnerships and mobilize resources to tackle one of the most urgent crises our world is facing.
“Instead of being in crisis, education should be a tool to address global challenges. As we confront rapid changes in climate, technology, and demographics, education is our best investment in a safer future that leaves no one behind,” said Serigne Mbaye Thiam. “I am honored to accept the role of GPE High-level Envoy and Advisor. I look forward to leveraging my extensive experience, including with GPE and as Minister of Education, to advance education worldwide.”
“Education is the critical stepping stone that countries need to build their human capital and promote equality and growth, but too often it is not considered a priority,” said Ruth Kagia. “Throughout my career, I have worked tirelessly to identify and implement the solutions to reach every child with quality learning. As GPE High-level Envoy, I will use this experience to create positive change for children and their communities.”
Between January 2013 and December 2014, Mr. Thiam was a member of the GPE Board representing 18 African francophone countries, and Chair of the Governance, Ethics, Risk and Finance Board Committee between February 2014 and December 2015. Since 1996, he has held various civil service positions in Senegal, including as Deputy and Minister of Higher Education and Research. Mr. Thiam also represented his country on UNESCO’s Executive Board and is member of the UNESCO International Commission on the Futures of Education.
Ruth Kagia served as the Deputy Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor to former President of Kenya Uhuru Kenyatta between 2014 and 2022. In this position, she led on Kenya’s co-hosting role for the GPE financing campaign, culminating in the Global Education Summit in July 2021. Prior to rejoining the Kenyan government in 2014, she worked at the World Bank from 1990 to 2013, where she held various positions including as Global Director for Education (2002–2008) and as Country Director for Southern Africa. Before joining the World Bank, Ms. Kagia worked with the Kenya government in teaching, education management and research.
GPE high-level envoys and advisors will attend events on behalf of GPE, meet with world leaders and partners, advocate for education at the highest levels of government and provide advice to GPE senior management on strategic issues for GPE.
