On 30 January, the Privatisation in Education and Human Rights Consortium (PEHRC) hosted an important webinar examining the impact of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) in education. As a committed PEHRC member, GI-ESCR contributed to the review and editing of the papers launched at the event and supported the overall organisation of the discussion. 

The webinar provided a critical space to analyse how PPPs, often presented as solutions to education funding gaps, are, in reality, more expensive than the traditional approach and ultimately lead to undermining public education systems. Experts highlighted their risks, particularly when lacking strong regulation, which can lead to inequality and a weakened public education sector. 

Speakers, including Dr. Frank Adamson (California State University), Anjela Taneja (Oxfam International), Dr. Antoni Verger & Dr. Mauro C. Moschetti (Universitat Autónoma de Barcelona), Dr. Rolla Moumné (UNESCO), and Gabriela Bonilla (Education International), emphasised the urgent need to prioritise and strengthen public education funding instead of relying on private actors through PPPs. The discussion reinforced the importance of transparency, accountability, and sustained public investment in education, warning against the risks posed by the commercialisation of education. 

The event launched the Policy Brief “Demystifying Education Public-Private Partnerships What Every Policymaker Should Know” and its accompanying Position Paper. GI-ESCR has contributed to developing these resources over the years, ensuring that they serve as valuable tools in the fight against education privatisation. 

Missed the event? Read the Policy Brief (available in English, Spanish and French) and Position Paper (only available in English) below: