Global Forum History

In September 2015, heads of state and government representatives from around the world came together at the United Nations (UN) Headquarters in New York City to commit themselves to 17 Sustainable Development Goals, ranging from ending poverty and hunger to combating climate change. Goal #5 is to “achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.”

A mere five months after the UN met in New York, NCGS held its first-ever Global Forum on Girls’ Education® in that very same city along with 13 strategic partners and nearly 1,000 women and men from 23 different countries dedicated to empowering girls through education. So powerful was that experience that a decision was made to make the Global Forum a triennial event, so the Global Forum on Girls’ Education® II soon followed in 2018, and the third iteration is planned for June 27-29, 2022.

Time has marched on, but the obstacles girls and young women face have grown in lockstep with their ever-increasing opportunities, including new challenges brought about by the pandemic, social injustice, and more. And yet, girls’ schools continue to be places where girls can shatter stereotypes and develop the confidence to demand and help create a different narrative.

NCGS will continue convening Global Forums on Girls’ Education to bring together thought-leaders who will help determine how to “achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls” around the world.