"My Third point is: partners.h.i.+ps and innovation are important in order to be able to deliver quality education for all. Looking ahead to a broader and more ambitious post-2019 development agenda, we must reach out to form the partners.h.i.+ps that are needed to bring about innovative solutions and results on the ground. Increased interaction with the private sector is key. 

The private sector has a key role to play, not least in expanding ICT infrastructure and supplying digital content and services. 

Thanks to the digital revolution, the learning environment in many parts of the developing world is set to change. Gaining access to digital services and information can in itself be empowering, not least for women and girls."

The hushed appreciative voices filled the hall and Jacob smiled at the audience, resuming his speech.

"Fourth: we need a particular focus on education in emergencies and conflicts. An estimated 37 million children are out of primary and lower secondary school in countries affected by conflicts, and natural disasters.

The statistics give cause for concern, but should also spur us into action: 3 million children are out of school as a result of the Syria crisis. 1 million children are no longer attending school after the recent earthquakes in Nepal. And school children and students in Somalia, Nigeria and Pakistan have recently been the victims of appalling attacks at their schools and universities.  

These are the children we want to help. We need to both rovide education for these children and protect education from attacks.

If we fail to do so, the negative consequences of conflicts and emergencies will be even greater – because robbing these children of their education, means robbing them of their future.   

We must do what we can to give them hope for the future. And the best way to do this, is to give them a cla.s.sroom where they can learn and grow."