#107 When $100 Becomes $1 – Is Education Funding Perpetuating Global Inequality?

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In this episode of WISE On Air, host of this episode and Director of Research & Policy at WISE, Selma Talha-Jebril talks to Manos Antoninis, Director of the Global Education Monitoring (GEM) Report, to discuss the recently launched 2024/5 GEM Report and the UNESCO-World Bank Education Finance Watch 2024.


Manos brings decades of expertise in global education policy and leadership, offering critical insights into the most pressing issues, including severe funding disparities, political influence on education systems, and the growing need for empowered educational leaders. He sheds light on how we can overcome these challenges and push toward achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4 for inclusive, equitable education worldwide.


Read the UNESCO GEM Report: bit.ly/4bfK2Lo

Read the Education Finance Watch 2024 Report: bit.ly/4kjtdDB


00:00 Introduction: The State of Global Education

00:27 Welcome to Wise On Air

00:43 Leadership and Education Investment

01:58 Interview with Manos Antoninis

02:34 Stagnation in Global Education Progress

08:01 The Role of School Leaders

15:54 Autonomy in School Leadership

21:32 Education Finance Disparities

24:15 Global Financial Systems and Education

32:24 The Role of International Organizations

38:29 Conclusion and Final Thoughts