Renowned journalist and CNN correspondent Larry Madowo has shared his experience moderating a major education financing event at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.
Madowo served as host of the Multiply Possibility: A New Era for Education Financing event held during the 81st session of the UN General Assembly.
Sharing his experience on social media, Larry expressed his excitement at moderating the event that saw global leaders mobilize $3.5Billion in 90 minutes.
“I hosted an event that raised a modest $3.5 BILLION in 90 minutes at the UN General Assembly in New York! “Larry said.
Commenting on the initiative, Madowo said it was personal to him, given his mother’s experience as a teacher, while noting that the funds would help ensure children in lower-income countries are not left behind.
“It will fund education in 90 lower-income countries so that no child is left behind. My mom was a teacher in rural Kenya so this historic “harambee” is personal to me” he said.
The journalist also revealed that during the fundraiser, he initially tried to keep track of the contributions before one particularly large pledge made him abandon his calculations.
“In the beginning I was counting but when someone casually gave $800 million, I threw away the calculator. I fear that this fundraiser that ended with $3.5 billion has ruined harambees forever for me. How can I ever top that?” he joked.
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The Figures Behind the $3.5 Billion
According to the Global Partnership for Education (GPE), the $3.5 billion was mobilized through pledges and commitments from sovereign donors, development finance institutions, philanthropic organizations and private-sector partners.
GPE said the event, held under the leadership of Italy and Nigeria, resulted in $3.5 billion being mobilized for education, while GPE partner countries also committed $471 billion in domestic financing.
“Under Italy and Nigeria’s leadership, GPE partners stood up for the world’s best investment: education. At the #MultiplyPossibility event at #UNGA81, global leaders mobilized $3.5B in funding for education, with GPE partner countries committing $471B in domestic financing.” GPE stated.
The $3.5 billion includes:
- $2.1 billion in confirmed and anticipated pledges from sovereign donors
- $1 billion from development finance institutions
- $400 million from philanthropic and private-sector partners
The 81st Session of the UNGA
The United Nations General Assembly is the UN’s main forum for deliberation and policymaking, bringing together all 193 Member States.
Each year, its high-level session in New York brings world leaders together to discuss major global issues, including peace, development and human rights.
This year’s 81st session, which opened on September 8, 2026, is being held under the theme “Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations That Delivers for All.”
Meanwhile, the high-level General Debate runs from September 22 to 28, bringing global leaders together to address pressing international challenges.
