Education stands as a universal pillar of progress, bridging gaps in opportunity, fostering equality, and nurturing solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges. Celebrated annually on 24 January, the International Day of Education emphasises the transformative role of learning in achieving the UN Global Goals, from sustainable development to climate action. Yet, millions of children and young people are denied this essential right, facing systemic barriers rooted in discrimination, inequality, and economic hardship. Addressing these challenges is vital to creating a world where every individual can thrive.
Education: A right denied to many
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted in 1948, enshrined education as a fundamental human right. Article 26 calls for free and compulsory elementary education, while the Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989) further commits nations to make higher education accessible to all. However, these commitments remain unfulfilled for millions.
Globally, an estimated 244 million children and adolescents are out of school, and 617 million lack basic literacy and numeracy skills. These figures disproportionately affect marginalised communities, particularly girls, refugees, and individuals with disabilities. For instance, in sub-Saharan Africa, less than 40% of girls complete lower secondary school, while more than 4 million refugee children remain excluded from formal education systems.
Discrimination exacerbates these disparities. Gender bias, cultural norms, and economic instability perpetuate cycles of inequality, denying young generations the chance to realise their potential. Education must be a vehicle for empowerment, breaking down barriers and creating pathways to economic equality and social justice.
Education is central to achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, with Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) aiming to "ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all." Beyond providing knowledge, education equips individuals with the skills to tackle global challenges, including poverty, environmental degradation, and climate change.
Research shows that every additional year of schooling increases a person's earnings by an average of 10%, contributing to economic stability and societal progress. Education is also linked to improved health outcomes, reduced child marriage rates, and greater political participation, making it an essential tool for fostering peace and justice.
Addressing the education crisis: Challenges and solutions
The global education crisis is multifaceted, encompassing issues of access, quality, and relevance. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated these challenges, disrupting the education of more than 1.6 billion learners worldwide. Learning losses were particularly severe among vulnerable populations, deepening existing inequalities.
The Transforming Education Summit, convened in 2022, highlighted the need for urgent action. The summit called for innovative approaches to rebuild education systems, emphasising inclusivity, resilience, and adaptability. Key areas of focus include:
Digital inclusion: Expanding access to technology and internet connectivity, especially in remote and underserved regions.
Teacher training: Equipping educators with the skills to deliver inclusive, high-quality instruction.
Gender-sensitive policies: Addressing barriers that disproportionately affect girls and young women.
Sustainability education: Embedding environmental awareness and climate action into curricula.
Education against discrimination: A powerful tool for equality
Discrimination in education manifests in many forms gender bias, racial inequities, economic exclusion, and systemic underinvestment in marginalised communities. Addressing these issues requires a commitment to inclusive governance, global cooperation, and grassroots action.
For example, initiatives like UNESCO’s Girls’ Education Programme in Africa and South Asia work to eliminate gender disparities by providing scholarships, safe learning environments, and community advocacy. Similarly, organisations like the Malala Fund champion the rights of girls to complete their education, advocating for policy changes and increased funding.
Education also combats intolerance and hate speech, promoting understanding and cooperation. By teaching young people about diversity, human rights, and global citizenship, schools can become spaces where future leaders learn to value inclusivity and mutual respect.
Initiatives driving change
Numerous organisations and programmes are making strides in transforming education for future generations:
The Green School Project: This initiative combines sustainability education with practical solutions, teaching students about renewable energy, waste reduction, and biodiversity conservation. By aligning education with environmental protection, it equips learners to address ecological challenges.
One Drop Foundation’s Indigenous Water Allyship: This programme integrates education with access to clean water, empowering Indigenous communities in Canada to create sustainable futures.
Smurfit Kappa Foundation: Through investments in schools and educational resources, this foundation addresses inequities in access to quality learning environments.
These initiatives demonstrate the power of collaboration and innovation in overcoming barriers to education and fostering a more equitable world.
The global society: A collective responsibility
The challenges facing education today cannot be addressed by individual nations or organisations alone. Global collaboration is essential. The Pact for the Future, set to launch at the 2024 Summit of the Future, exemplifies the commitment needed to create inclusive and resilient education systems. This initiative aims to align international efforts with the UN Global Goals, fostering partnerships that prioritise education as a public good.
Education also intersects with other global priorities, such as climate action and economic equality. By investing in education, the global society can unlock solutions to interconnected challenges, creating opportunities for young generations to lead and innovate.
The International Day of Education serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative potential of learning. Education is not merely a tool for personal advancement it is a foundation for building inclusive, equitable, and sustainable societies. Addressing educational disparities is critical to achieving the UN Global Goals, breaking cycles of poverty, and fostering a future where every individual can contribute to global progress.
As we move forward, the call to action is clear: invest in education, eliminate discrimination, and ensure that no one is left behind. To explore initiatives and learn how you can contribute, visit resources from UNESCO, the Transforming Education Summit, and leading non-profit organisations driving change globally.
More information: https://www.un.org/en/observances/education-day