A/70/342 enabling environment and good governance to contribute to the development of education in innovative ways, such as creating a special trust fund for the purpose of maximizing national investment in education. 57. Many examples of philanthropy exist. For example, the Azim Premji Foundation in India cooperates with the Government in expanding education opportunities in the country. 12 The Fondation nationale des sciences politiques in France is another example of public-private partnerships in education serving the public purpose. Engaged in imparting quality and excellence in education, it also involves private support, serving education as a social cause rather than a commercial pursuit. 58. The modalities of public-private partnerships when local public authorities work with communities and NGOs to construct or establish schools are different to those in which Governments enter into partnership with individual proprietors or private enterprises. In some circumstances, community schools may be sources of innovation, leading to novel teaching methods, curricula or school management practices that can improve the public system. In that respect, the Special Rapporteur refers to the report of the Intergovernmental Committee of Experts on Sustainable Development Financing (A/69/315) in which it acknowledged that “philanthropy, i.e., voluntary activity by foundations, private citizens and other non-State actors, has significantly expanded in its scope, scale and sophistication”. In its report, the Committee stated that policymakers had recently shown considerable interest in a class of development financing opportunities called “blended finance”, which pooled public and private resources and expertise. Those included structured pu blicprivate funds and innovative “implementing partnerships” among a wide range of stakeholders, including Governments, civil society, philanthropic institutions, development banks and private for-profit institutions. The Committee further stated that “it is important to note, however, that poorly designed public private partnerships and other blended structures can lead to high returns for the private partner, while the public partner retains all the risks”. Careful consideration needs to be given to the appropriate use and structure of blended finance instruments. 59. It is important to note that, in its general comment No. 13, the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights stated that it would considered “the effects of the assistance provided by all actors other than States parties on the ability of States to meet their obligations under article 13”. C. Quality imperatives and public-private partnerships in education 60. Without taking preventive measures against the deteriorating quality of education in public schools and lured by propaganda and false claims of better quality by private providers, Governments turn to the private sector in search of better management of education and even for running the education system. 61. A number of studies show that the quality of education provided in private schools is no better than those in public schools. 13 In most countries in Europe, the __________________ 12 13 15-12538 The Azim Premji University was established by Karnataka Act No.14 of 2010 to “pursue any objectives as may be approved by the Government for enhancement of education and other development sectors in India”. See United Kingdom Department for International Development, “The role and impact of private 11/25