The Global Partnership for Education (GPE) Board meeting – which includes representatives of civil society and teachers' unions – met in Berlin in June 2012. The Board made some key decisions – some supported by civil society, others not – and delayed others. Some of the key developments during and after the meeting concern the Partnership's strategy, governance arrangements and financing for fragile states, federal states and very large countries.

GPE strategy: civil society had lobbied for a number of changes. The Board discussed the draft, leading to a new draft plan and framework that address some civil society concerns like greater recognition of the central role of teachers, a broader definition of learning, and including domestic financing. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. of Save the Children UK is coordinating civil society feedback on these draft plans, and on the draft indicators – if you would like to be involved please send him comments by 31 July 2012.

Hosting and goverance: despite a strong case made by GCE and partners, the GPE Board decided not to make the GPE independent of the World Bank, at least until other governance reforms are introduced and then evaluated in late 2013. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. of ActionAid is representing civil society in these discussions, and is now seeking civil society comments on a draft matrix of the possible governance and management reforms - please contact him asap if you have comments.

Fragile states: the civil society briefing prepared by Oxfam, GCE and partners had made a strong case on making GPE fit for purpose in conflict-affected fragile states (CAFS). The Board agreed that GPE funds should be available for CAFS on the basis of 'transitional' plans, for which the GPE Secretariat will now produce guidelines, and that there should be systems to transfer funds more quickly in crisis situations.

Financing policies: the GPE Board approved a process that will allow very large countries to apply (though not necessarily receive) funds above the current $100 million financing cap, as well as a procedure to allow financing for federal states. The countries currently producing funding applications for GPE are: Benin, Burundi, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Democratic Republic Congo, Mauritania, Tajikistan, Uganda, Zambia, and South Sudan. Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , the civil society representative on the GPE Financial Advisory Committee, for more information.