By Jacob Blasius, Executive Director of the Global Student Forum and Organising Partner of the Education and Academia Stakeholder Group
The Education and Academia Stakeholder Group (EASG) was established to ensure that civil society, academic, and student perspectives are present and taken seriously in the implementation and review of the 2030 Agenda. Over the years, our work has expanded to include not only advocacy at major UN forums, but also the coordination of diverse education networks across regions.
For this work to be effective, our processes and positions must be visible and accessible to the communities we represent. The launch of the new EASG website, educationacademia.org, is a step toward meeting that need. It must be more than an announcement page or an archive of our work. It must be a space where members and external partners can see our priorities, understand how to engage, and find the resources they need to participate meaningfully.
Until now, much of our communication has relied on email lists, informal networks, and scattered documents. While these channels will remain essential, a central, public-facing hub allows us to bring together statements, background papers, event announcements, and membership information in one place. It also offers a point of entry for new organisations that want to join the group, particularly those in regions and sectors where EASG is less visible.
The need for such a platform is rooted in our mandate. EASG exists to bridge the gap between educational realities and global policy discussions. That requires an infrastructure that can support open communication and facilitate knowledge sharing. The new website does not replace the human relationships that drive our work, but it strengthens them by ensuring that our collective positions and processes are documented and accessible.
This launch is only the beginning. Over the coming months, we will continue to build out the site with additional resources, updates from UN processes, and opportunities for engagement. My hope is that members will see it not as a static display, but as a living tool. One that reflects the diversity, expertise, and priorities of our community.
