In this episode of EWF Conversations, EWF Programme Director Fabrizio Trifirò talks to Siviwe Gwarube, Minister of Basic Education of South Africa. Minister Gwarube reflects on the importance to reorient the national education system toward the foundations of learning and the priorities of South Africa’s G20 presidency, highlighting early childhood care and teacher professional development, She reflects on the critical challenges posed by limited funding for education, the value of EWF as a platform for sharing experiences and solutions, and the necessity for culturally sensitive international benchmarking. Minister Gwarube concludes by advocating for a systemic approach that integrates skills development and views education as a vital economic investment supporting children from birth to adulthood