Building

The Education We Need

Shaping

The Future We Want

The Organisation of Educational Cooperation is an international intergovernmental organisation founded by countries across the Global South.
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What

we do

South-South Cooperation Amplification

Knowledge, Information and Research Democratisaton

Financial Solidarity and Cooperation

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Paradigm Shift Acceleration

Technical Assistance

Policy Support

Why an Organisation of the Global South?

In order to achieve the common aspiration for balanced and inclusive education systems, collective and contextual roadmaps must be articulated, supported by effective and resilient knowledge-sharing and action-coordinating mechanisms. As an inherently cross-sectoral international organisation, by counting civil society and academic bodies as Associate Members, and the only intergovernmental organisation of the Global South that is not constrained by geocultural and/or subregional lines, the propelling force of the Organisation of Educational Cooperation (OEC)’s mandate is its commitment to the confederation of efforts and initiatives –across countries, organisations, and sectors –, mobilising and pooling together intellectual, technical, and financial resources.

As opposed to aid, which is implemented vertically and tends to generate institutional dependence, cooperation is practised horizontally, between equals, and strives to achieve collective self-reliance. At the cornerstone of the Organisation of Educational Cooperation (OEC)’s mission, therefore, is the firm belief in the importance of enhancing and strengthening intergovernmental and intersectoral South-South exchanges in balanced and inclusive education and development, to identify complementary strengths and overcome common challenges. Organisation of Educational Cooperation (OEC) accordingly works on strengthening synergies and the self-sustainability of initiatives by engaging with international, national, and local stakeholders for the development of endogenous solutions, which also make the case for change at the global level.

As a fundamental means to address the global challenges and aspirations of the 21st century, Organisation of Educational Cooperation (OEC) works towards the building of successful South-North partnerships. Fruitful cooperation only being possible, however, where there is equality between parties, OEC pro-actively supports South-North collaborative opportunities based on the principle of mutually beneficial partnerships of equals. Organisation of Educational Cooperation (OEC) also firmly believes that diversity found within and across countries, cultures, and peoples of the Global South has generated innovative, contextual solutions that can be leveraged to be equally enriching for countries and societies in the Global North.

Born from the prolific exchanges between governments, NGOs, and academia which occurred under the auspices of the Education Relief Foundation from 2017 to 2020, constant dialogue and knowledge-sharing across sectors, directed towards the adoption of concrete action plans, is embedded in the Organisation of Educational Cooperation (OEC)’s modus operandi. In addition to the Constitutive Charter’s mandate to act as a neutral knowledge-broker, OEC acts as an interactive stakeholder-led platform of discussion, concertation, and coordination between intellectuals, NGOs, academic bodies, and governments that increases the visibility of issues, perspectives, and ideas currently underrepresented at the international level.

Balanced and

Inclusive

Education

Balanced and Inclusive Education is an approach to educational quality and inclusivity that is responsive to the cultural, ethical, and social dimensions of the learning process, rendering education fulfilling for the individual and intrinsically relevant to society.

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4 pillars of Balanced and Inclusive Education

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Universal Declaration of Balanced and Inclusive Education (UDBIE)

The Universal Declaration of Balanced and Inclusive Education as a common standard, that all peoples, nations, and institutions may strive, collectively and individually, to achieve Humanity’s eternal aspirations.
Read the UDBIE
Read the UDBIE

Strategic Plan

2022 - 2029

Read the Strategic Plan

Programme

2022 - 2023

FOCUS AREA I

Systemic Governance
and System Enhancement

FOCUS AREA II

Formal, Technical, and Vocational
Education and Training

FOCUS AREA III

Higher
Education and Transdisciplinary
Research

FOCUS AREA IV

Innovative Technologies and Digital
Infrastructure

FOCUS AREA V

South-South Cooperation
and Multilateral Platforms

Read the Programme

Transversal Axes

Gender Equality

Notwithstanding the wide recognition of the fundamental requisite of gender equality for a more just, prosperous, and inclusive society, and decades of efforts towards that goal, deeply rooted socio-cultural norms, attitudes, behaviours, practices, and power imbalances continue to disadvantage women and girls, both in the Global North and the Global South. Throughout its organisational policies and programmes transversally, the OEC will address, from an intersectional angle accounting for the compounding experience of oppression of women and girls, the underlying patterns, mechanisms, and patriarchal structures reproduced through curricula content, classroom practice, research biases, socio-cultural norms, and economic disparities.

Minority and Indigenous Peoples’ Rights

Minorities are composed of two sets of people: communities that constitute a numerical minority in a given society, or in the world, and communities who, despite forming a substantial part of the population, are minoritised through discrimination, marginalisation, and exclusion due to their ethnic, cultural, religious, or other identities. The violation of the human rights of minorities and indigenous peoples is not only morally unacceptable, but it also negates their valuable contribution to society and to Humanity. The OEC, through its multidimensional programme design and interactional implementation processes will address minority and indigenous peoples’ marginalisation and exclusion through interconnected socio-cultural, educational, civic, and economic angles.

Collective Self-reliance

Building upon resources, capacities and insights of individuals, local communities, and institutions, the OEC will strive to systemically reinforce capacities, autonomy, and resilience at the local and national levels, whilst working with Member States to develop and build collective self-reliance strategies that pool intellectual, technical and financial resources together, transversally supported by implementation strategies for the OEC Programme ensuring active exchanges, solidarity-based cooperation, regional schemes, and collaborative action amongst Member States at the regional and international levels.

“A certain kind of multilateralism seems to be disappearing, and is being mourned in many circles – but we do not join in this grief. Not because we do not believe in multilateralism – on the contrary, the very essence of the OEC is predicated on the recognition that multilateralism is not an opportunistic choice, but an unavoidable necessity, the only manner in which we can defend Humanity’s indivisible interests and realise its indissoluble aspirations.

We are, however, aware that not all forms of multilateralism are created equal – for unless there is equality amongst parties, equity in their relations, and solidarity rather than charity, multilateralism will only reproduce the very imbalances it seeks to rectify.

From this common space that is the OEC, we must, therefore, contribute to the construction of a new, humanistic kind of multilateralism, standing as a proud example of our shared values put into practice, where the operational principle shall be: from each Member State according to their ability, and to each Member State according to their need.”

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Manssour Bin Mussallam

OEC Secretary-General

OEC Latest

News

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The Secretary-General of the Organisation of Educational Cooperation (OEC), H. E. Mr. Manssour Bin Mussallam visit in Geneva, Switzerland, reception at the Intercontinental Hotel.

Secretary-General concludes working visit to Geneva

GENEVA, Switzerland: 23rd March 2023: In continuation of his series of working visits to several countries, the Secretary-General of the Organisation of Educational Cooperation (OEC) Manssour Bin Mussallam hosted a reception in Geneva, Switzerland for Permanent Representatives of OEC Member States and States Parties to the Universal Declaration of Balanced and Inclusive Education (UDBIE), and […]
Secretary-General concludes working visit to New York

Secretary-General concludes working visit to New York

NEW YORK, 15th March 2023: The Secretary-General of the Organisation of Educational Cooperation (OEC) Manssour Bin Mussallam has concluded a two-day working visit to New York during which he addressed the 47th Annual Conference of the United Nations International School (UNIS-UN) and met with Permanent Representatives of OEC Member and Founding States accredited to the […]
OEC Secretary-General concludes official visit to Nigeria

OEC Secretary-General concludes official visit to Nigeria

ABUJA, Nigeria, 10 March 2023: The Secretary-General of the Organisation of Education Cooperation (OEC) Manssour Bin Mussallam concluded today, a  three-day official visit to Nigeria, with a commitment to further strengthen collaboration within the framework of the Strategic Plan and the Common Programme of Member States. During the trip that commenced on 8th March 2023, […]
Secretary-General Appoints Dr Jacob Udo-Udo JACOB as Under-Secretary-General, Research, Evaluation and Foresight (REEF)

Secretary-General Appoints Dr Jacob Udo-Udo JACOB as Under-Secretary-General, Research, Evaluation and Foresight (REEF)

The Secretary-General of the Organisation of Educational Cooperation (OEC), H.E. Sheikh Manssour Bin Mussallam, announced today his decision to appoint Dr. Jacob Udo-Udo Jacob, of Nigeria, as Under-Secretary-General for Research, Evaluation and Foresight (REEF). Before joining the OEC, Dr. Jacob Udo-Udo Jacob served as the Dean of Graduate School and Research at the American University […]
Secretary-General Appoints Dr Shubhangi SHARMA, as Under-Secretary-General, Systems Enhancement and Endogenous Development (SEED)

Secretary-General Appoints Dr Shubhangi SHARMA, as Under-Secretary-General, Systems Enhancement and Endogenous Development (SEED)

The Secretary-General of the Organisation of Educational Cooperation (OEC), H.E. Sheikh Manssour Bin Mussallam, announced today his decision to appoint Dr Shubhangi Sharma, of India, as Under-Secretary-General for Systems Enhancement and Endogenous Development (SEED). Prior to joining the OEC, Dr Shubhangi Sharma served various organisations such as DFID, UNESCO, OXFAM Trust and EAA Foundation as […]
Secretary-General, President of Ethiopia meet following establishment of Headquarters in Addis Ababa

Secretary-General, President of Ethiopia meet following establishment of Headquarters in Addis Ababa

Addis Abba, 31 January 2023 – The President of Ethiopia, H.E. Sahle-Work Zewde, received the Secretary-General of the Organisation of Educational Cooperation (OEC), H.E. Manssour Bin Mussallam, at the Presidential Palace in Addis Ababa, and welcomed the establishment of the Organisation’s Headquarters in Ethiopia. The Secretary-General proceeded by briefing the President on the progress realised […]
A new beginning – for education, and beyond

A new beginning – for education, and beyond

By: Manssour Bin Mussallam, Secretary-General of the Organisation of Educational Cooperation (OEC). January is always a most peculiar month. It marks new beginnings, and yet, despite our farewells to December, once the celebrations give way to silence, we never quite seem to completely start anew – whether it is because we still find ourselves unconsciously […]
OEC Secretary -General HE Sheikh Manssour Bin Mussallam ( second from left) and Awash Bank CEO Mr Tsehay Sheferaw ( Second from right) signing the MOU

OEC Secretary-General Calls for Solidarity-based CSR Programmes

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 18th January, 2023: The Secretary-General of the Organisation of Educational Cooperation (OEC), H.E. Sheikh Manssour Bin Mussallam, has called for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes that are based on solidarity, instead of charity, if they are to have meaningful and lasting positive impact for society. The call was made on Wednesday, 17th […]
Secretary-General Appoints Fadhel Kaboub Under-Secretary-General for Financing for Development

Secretary-General Appoints Fadhel Kaboub Under-Secretary-General for Financing for Development

The Secretary-General of the Organisation of Educational Cooperation (OEC), H.E. Sheikh Manssour Bin Mussallam, announced today his decision to appoint Dr Fadhel Kaboub, of Tunisia, as Under-Secretary-General for Financing for Development. Prior to joining the OEC, Dr Kaboub served as an associate professor of economics at Denison University and president of the Global Institute for […]
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Founding Summit Quotes 2020

Organisation of Educational Cooperation (OEC)

HE Komi Sélom Klassou

Prime Minister of Togo
“Knowledge changes. The methods to acquire knowledge change. The arrival of new information and communications technologies modifies teaching among learners and modifies equally the role of working methods of teachers. [In light of these changes], for Togo, the school remains at the centre of our development policy.“
Organisation of Educational Cooperation (OEC)

Rt. Hon. Ruhakana Rugunda

Prime Minister of Uganda
“I would like assure this gathering that in line with the International Call for Balanced Inclusive Education (…), Uganda is in full support [of] the Universal Declaration of Balanced and Inclusive Education. (…) Uganda looks forward to continued collaboration and mutual partnership with all key stakeholders, to achieve the collective vision of Balanced and Inclusive Education for all.”
Organisation of Educational Cooperation (OEC)

HE Abdoulkader Kamil Mohamed

Prime Minister of the Republic of Djibouti
“Thanks to our collective efforts, countries of the Global South will not only have a framework for collaboration that truly responds to their aspirations, aligned with their respective cultures, enabling them to develop multilateral partnerships in balanced and inclusive education, but also conceptual, technical and financial instruments so as to implement policies and strategies that fully meets their priorities.”
Organisation of Educational Cooperation (OEC)

HE Azali Assoumani

President of the Union of the Comoros
“The experience that each of us will share throughout the course of this conference will be decisive in the development of our education systems. Our work will surely bring us the elements necessary for the development of new strategies aimed at better adapting our systems to the needs and challenges of globalisation.”
Organisation of Educational Cooperation (OEC)

HE Brigi Rafini

Prime Minister of Niger
“Niger is convinced that education constitutes the foundation for development. Without education that is balanced and inclusive, there will be no development “
Organisation of Educational Cooperation (OEC)

HE Ismail Omar Guelleh

President of the Republic of Djibouti
“I endorse the establishment of a platform for consultation and exchange between countries so that inclusive and balanced education is also propagated by the best practices [of other involved parties].”
Organisation of Educational Cooperation (OEC)

HE Manssour Bin Mussallam

OEC Secretary-General
“We have this task, that is unique and peculiar, in that we know we can only ensure that the world does not unmake itself, by unmaking the systems which have led the world to the brink of unmaking itself so as to eventually, indeed, remake it.”
Organisation of Educational Cooperation (OEC)

Mr. Nos Sles

Secretary of State, Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport of Cambodia
“We fully support the four pillars (…) as set out in this [Universal Declaration of Balanced and Inclusive Education] to promote balanced and inclusive education in the context of the ever-increasing complexity of our economic trends, social, cultural and political environments (…) to achieve our Sustainable Development Goals.”
Organisation of Educational Cooperation (OEC)

Mr. Ali Zairi

General Director, Ministry of Education of Tunisia
“The Republic of Tunisia welcomes the initiative of balanced and inclusive education (…) and confirms its commitment (…) to achieve its noble objectives.”
Organisation of Educational Cooperation (OEC)

HE Hloaele Mokoto Francis

Minister of Education of Lesotho
“On behalf of the Lesotho government, I wish to declare our government’s commitment to the signing of the [Universal Declaration of Balanced and Inclusive Education] and (…) [the Constitutive Charter of the OEC] in the advancement of the right to education, and inclusive education, in particular, as a means of transforming our education system for all.”
Organisation of Educational Cooperation (OEC)

HE Dr. Aishath Ali

Minister of Education of The Maldives
“I am confident that Goal 4 of the SDGs will be further enhanced by the [Universal Declaration of Balanced and Inclusive Education] . (…) Let’s work hand-in-hand to reach the goals and aims of the Declaration. As the saying goes, ‘united we stand, divided we fall’. Let’s remain firm, and committed for this noble cause.”
Organisation of Educational Cooperation (OEC)

HE Dania López Gulbone

Deputy Minister of Education of Cuba
“We must pass, with this [Universal Declaration of Balanced and Inclusive Education] , from words to deeds. (…) It is a challenge and a commitment because the Declaration encompasses essential elements that will lead us all to raise quality.”
Organisation of Educational Cooperation (OEC)

HE Dr.Hussein Basalama

Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research of Yemen
“This Summit has achieved its objectives. (…) We welcome and support the [Universal Declaration of Balanced and Inclusive Education] which has emanated from it. (…) We confirm the Republic of Yemen’s complete commitment to all the objectives that this Summit has elaborated.”
Organisation of Educational Cooperation (OEC)

HE Miriam Ráudez Rodríguez

Minister of Education of Nicaragua
“The people and the government of Nicaragua (….) endorse the Universal Declaration of Balanced and Inclusive Education because we are certain that education is a fundamental tool to continue deepening transformation, and improving the quality of life of the families of the world.”
Organisation of Educational Cooperation (OEC)

HE Janvière Ndirahisha

Minister of Education, Technical and Vocational Training of Burundi
“On behalf of the Government of Burundi, we would like to offer our support to the Universal Declaration of Balanced and Inclusive Education. (…) We must undertake joint efforts to achieve sustainable development as sustainable development itself cannot be realized without quality education and without education for all.”
Organisation of Educational Cooperation (OEC)

HE Cain Ginyitshe Mathema

Minister of Primary and Secondary Education of Zimbabwe
“In solidarity with fellow nations at this conference, Zimbabwe unequivocally adds its voice to the key message that governments must prioritise the attainment of balanced, inclusive and high-quality education through sustainable strategic interventions and funding mechanisms that reduce inequalities among communities.”
Organisation of Educational Cooperation (OEC)

HE Mallam Adamu Adamu

Minister of Education of Nigeria
“The promotion of inclusive education in any national policy on education is imperative, as it carries lifelong implications. I hereby, on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria, consent to the Universal Declaration of Balanced and Inclusive Education, to address the educational needs of the various groups.”
Organisation of Educational Cooperation (OEC)

HE Sinton Soalablai

Minister of Education of Palau
“Palau will sign [the Universal Declaration of Balanced and Inclusive Education and the Constitutive Charter of the OEC] with full confidence on behalf of the President of Palau, [HE Thomas Remengesau Jr], and the people of Palau.”
Organisation of Educational Cooperation (OEC)

Mr. Peter Kwasi Kodije

Secretary General, All-Africa Students Union (AASU)
“Education is a fundamental human right, which must be accessible to all, regardless of race, regardless of colour, regardless of creed. (…) We declare our support for the Universal Declaration of Balanced and Inclusive Education. We also declare our full support to sign the Constitutive Charter of the Organisation of Educational Cooperation.”
Organisation of Educational Cooperation (OEC)

HE Kamel Al-Qazaz

Ambassador of the State of Palestine in Djibouti
“We aspire to the establishment of a cross-sectoral platform that includes international, national and local stakeholders for the construction of educational policies and the sharing of best practices. (…) We, as the State of Palestine, proclaim our full commitment to the [Universal Declaration of Balanced and Inclusive Education] with which this Summit concludes.”