Boris Johnson has called on businesses to give more money to education charities.
The Mayor threw his support behind the Business Backs Education Campaign — which challenges companies to give 20 per cent of their Corporate Social Responsibility budget to international education charities.
At City Hall on October 13 he will urge the heads of 50 London and international businesses to sign up to the campaign, supported by Unesco. A report by Unesco recommended that governments should give 20 per cent of their international aid budget to education matters. It now wants business to fall in line by 2020.
Mr Johnson said: “Over the last decade we have seen the benefits that businesses can bring to education in London, as a result of supporting initiatives like Teach First, apprenticeships, academies and free schools.
“If more companies come forward to invest in young people, not just here, but around the world, think of the difference it could make. In the long term it makes sound business sense.
“It is vital youngsters are equipped with appropriate knowledge and skills.” The Business Backs Education campaign was launched by the Global Education Skills Forum.
Unesco research shows that $26 billion (£16 billion) is needed to achieve basic education for all children in low-income countries.
Unesco director general Irina Bokova said: “This campaign comes at exactly the right moment. Demand for an educated and skilled workforce has never been higher.
“Innovative alliances with business and investment from the private sector will be key to making quality education accessible to all.”
