Contradicting Commitments: How the Achievements of Education for all is being Undermined by the International Monetary Fund

This paper intends to demonstrate the International Monetary Fund's (IMF) role in constraining countries from increasing public expenditure in education to meet the Education For All (EFA) goals and the education-related Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The findings are based on research and country case studies undertaken by ActionAid International offices in Guatemala, Bangladesh, India, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria and Sierra Leone during 2004-05. These findings are complemented by similar research by the Global Campaign for Education GCE. A comprehensive examination of the IMF's macroeconomic policies and an exposition of alternative macroeconomic policy ideas can be found in "Changing Course: The need for New Macroeconomic Policies to Fight HIV/AIDS and Achieve National Economic Development. An Exploration of Alternatives" published by ActionAid International USA. Please visit: www.actionaidusa.org