The Group of Friends was launched on 24 January 2019 on the International Day of Education. It was 'commissioned" by the UNESCO led SDG-Education 2030 Steering Committee, the global multi-stakeholder consultation and coordination mechanism for education in the 2030 Agenda, to ensure enhanced advocacy on the ten education targets at the UN decision-making bodies.
Since its creation, this informal Group has become a well-known and established stakeholder at the United Nations and among education networks, due to the strong commitment and active involvements of its co-chairs and members at the UN decision-making bodies, such as the UN General Assembly, ECOSOC and its subsidiary organs and other United Nations forums.
The primary objective of the Group of Friends for Education and Lifelong Learning is to provide an informal platform for the Member states' delegations and major education partners to deliver on agreed messages on education, in particular those on the transformative power of education within the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The group also provides an opportunity for diplomats to engage with experts and facilitate exchange of experience and best practices.
