There is a special significance to EWF this coming year given the worldwide disruption to schooling and unprecedented challenges we have all been facing as a result of COVID-19. Our theme in 2021 is “Education: building forward, stronger, bolder, better” and will address how our education systems have experienced the pandemic and how they are responding.

EWF will specifically examine: how countries have sought to restore young people’s participation in education including the effective use of remote learning where needed; what catch-up strategies have been used to tackle learning loss; how countries have addressed the needs of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged and measures for supporting the well-being of school communities.

COVID-19 has had major adverse economic effects; EWF will provide an important opportunity to look at the implications for education and what role education providers have in mitigating these economic impacts including building the future skill supply for the labour market.

Travel restrictions permitting, I do hope you will be able to join me for EWF 2021, where I look forward to finding out more about your ideas, interests and plans.

Rt Hon Gavin Williamson CBE MP

Secretary of State for Education, UK

The dates of the next EWF are yet to be confirmed, following which, invitations to ministers will be issued in the usual way.