Gordon Brown Calls for America and Britain to Work Together on Global Education

In an address to the U.S. Congress today, UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown urged that the United States and United Kingdom work together on global education.

And let us not forget the poorest. As we strive to spread the values of peace, political liberty, and the hope for better lives across the world, perhaps the greatest gift our generation could give to the future, the gift of America and Britain to the world could be, for every child in every country of the world, the chance millions do not have today; the chance to go to school.

Brown has long championed improved education in the developing world and in 2006 committed his country to provide the equivalent of $12 billion over 10 years to support this cause. President Obama has called for the U.S. to lead in the creation of a Global Fund for Education. What would be the impact of additional U.S. funding on existing multilateral efforts? How can U.S. efforts in this area complement rather than compete with work that is already underway? My CGD Note: We Don't Need No Education? Why the United States Should Take the Lead on Global Education offers some answers. The big question in my mind: Will America follow through -- and how?