The E-9 Initiative is a forum for the nine high-population countries (i.e. Bangladesh, Brazil, China, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Nigeria and Pakistan) to discuss their experiences in education, exchange best practices and monitor progress on achieving Education for All (EFA). They represent more than 50 per cent of the world’s population, over two-thirds of the world’s illiterate adults and over 40% of the world’s out-of-school children. Since its launch in 1993, the E-9 network has become a powerful lobby for EFA and South-South cooperation. 

The most recent E-9 meeting on 'Teachers' was held in New Delhi, India, from 28-29 May 2012. 

UNESCO very much welcomes the Initiative by the UN Secretary General to make education a main priority. The Education First initiative will be a great opportunity to get more high level support and attention to education. The objective of the initiative is to:

• Raise the political profile of education;
• Rally together a broad spectrum of actors;
• Spur a global movement to achieve quality relevant and inclusive education for all with linked gains for the broad development agenda, including the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs); and
• Generate additional funding through advocacy efforts.

This is a five-year initiative with three major goals:

1. Put every child in school
2. Improve the quality of education
3. Enhance global citizenship