Key moments
July-November 2017
Regional Consultations
Over the course of 2017, the Education Relief Foundation (ERF) organised a series of high-level regional consultation meetings for Balanced and Inclusive Education (BIE) in Sub-Saharan Africa, South East Asia, Latin America and Europe. These regional consultations were designed to present the principles of BIE, share best practices and collate the recommendations articulated by the stakeholders. Participants included delegates from Ministries of Education, UNESCO Regional Offices, Academic Institutions and Non-Governmental Organisations.
8 December 2017
I ForumBIE 2030
In December 2017, ERF convened the First ForumBIE 2030 at the United Nations in Geneva (UNOG) to present the collated recommendations of these meetings to the participating country ambassadors, policymakers, development research institutions and civil society organisations. Over 85 delegates, including representatives of the International Bureau of Education (IBE-UNESCO), endorsed the need for the development of a Global Guide of Ethics, Principles, Policies and Practices in Balanced and Inclusive based upon the collated regional recommendations.
20-21 November 2018
II ForumBIE 2030
In November 2018, in cooperation with the Federal Secretariat of Public Education (SEP) of the United Mexican States, ERF convened the II ForumBIE 2030 in Mexico City. Less than a year since receiving its mandate to produce a Global Guide to Ethics, Principles, Policies and Practices for Balanced and Inclusive Education, the first edition was launched in the presence of high-level, multi-sectoral delegates.
22 November 2018
International Call For BIE
The II ForumBIE 2030 concluded with the signing of an International Call for Balanced and Inclusive Education, and a mandate to compose a Universal Declaration on Balanced and Inclusive Education. The International Call now counts 41 signatories, constituting 671 Ministers of Education, University Rectors and Civil Society leaders from over 110 countries. Meanwhile, work continues towards the conclusion of a Universal Declaration at III ForumBIE in January 2020.
27 - 29 January 2020
III ForumBIE 2030
ERF convened jointly with the Republic of Djibouti, the III ForumBIE 2030 on 27, 28, and 29 January 2020 in Djibouti City. The overall of the Forum was to develop strategies for achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) on inclusive and equitable quality education. It concluded with the signing of the Universal Declaration on Balanced and Inclusive Education (UDBIE) and enabled international stakeholders to share experiences, best practices, and develop efficient collaborations in Balanced and Inclusive Education. The Forum likewise resulted in the establishment of the Organisation of Educational Cooperation (OEC), which establishes a framework for the building of multilateral partnerships in Balanced and Inclusive Education as well as provide conceptual, technical, and financial instruments to achieve the collective vision of Balanced and Inclusive Education for all.