Maysa Jalbout, a globally acknowledged leader in education and philanthropy, has been designated Director of Education Can not Wait (ECW), the United Nations’ global fund for education in emergency situations. The announcement was made by Her Excellency Sigrid Kaag, Chair of the ECW High-Level Steering Group, following a competitive global search led by a choice committee consisting of agents from UNICEF, donor federal governments, and civil society.
“Maysa’s impressive track record, long-standing commitment to the world’s most vulnerable kids, and clear vision for the future of education in crises make her the perfect leader to direct Education Can not Wait into its next phase,” stated Ms. Kaag.
Reflecting on her appointment, Ms. Jalbout stated, “It’s my privilege to lead ECW– the worldwide fund for public, personal, and civil society partners dealing with steadfast urgency to deliver safe classrooms to millions of uprooted kids. Together, we will not allow a generation of kids to be defined by crisis. As a previous refugee, I know education is not just about learning; it is a lifeline in emergencies. Ultimately, it is the structure for peace and financial opportunity that the world needs now more than ever.”
Ms. Jalbout assumes her role on 1 April 2026, at a pivotal moment for the humanitarian sector. Equipped conflicts and climate-related disasters are intensifying globally, including in the Middle East, leaving countless kids displaced and out of school. At the same time, humanitarian funding for education stays critically under-resourced.
In 2026, ECW will celebrate its tenth anniversary with the launch of a new tactical structure and a US$ 600 million replenishment project. The Fund has actually committed to providing at least half of its funding through local and community-led companies, strengthening its concentrate on in your area driven options.
Ms. Jalbout brings 3 years of experience throughout education policy, philanthropy, and institutional management. She has actually established and led numerous education foundations, consisting of the Queen Rania Foundation for Education, the Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation, and the Zayed Education Structure. At Global Affairs Canada, she supervised education policy in developing and conflict-affected countries.
An established education professional, she has actually published research study reports with the Brookings Institution’s Center for Universal Education and Theirworld, and recommended organizations such as Arizona State University and the MIT Open Learning Effort. She has actually also served on the boards of Generation, Alfanar Endeavor Philanthropy, and the International Baccalaureate.
With her appointment, ECW is set to enter a new phase, focusing on resistant, inclusive, and locally led options to ensure millions of children impacted by crises can continue to access quality education.