Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Saturday during his closing address at the G7 summit that Canada, the European Union, Germany, Japan, and the U.K., will be investing nearly $3 billion to improve education access and opportunities for women around the world.
“Gender equality is a fundamental human right and a top priority for Canada and its G7 Presidency,” Trudeau said in the official announcement. “To make gender equality a reality, all women and girls around the world must have equal access to quality education and learning opportunities.”
The move will be the “single largest investment in education for women and girls in crisis and conflict situations,” according to Trudeau.
“We need to work together to ensure all women and girls have access to quality education and modern skills training,” Trudeau said. “From primary school to secondary school and beyond, women and girls in crisis and conflict situations must have the same opportunities to succeed. Investing in their education is not just the right thing to do, it’s the smart thing to do.”
Trudeau claims the move will help women and girls develop skills that will lead to obtaining a job in the future.
Saturday morning, President Trump walked in late to the Gender Equality Advisory Council Breakfast. Trudeau winked at the president as he entered during Canadian ambassador to France, Isabelle Hudon’s remarks.
Trudeau did clarify during his Saturday press conference that all of the G7 members, including the U.S., signed into the Charlevoix to educating women. While the U.S. did not specifically pledge actual dollars this weekend, several American non-governmental organizations have pledged money to the Canadian-led effort.
