What you need to know about education and why it matters

The world has seen remarkable progress in the global expansion of access to education in the 80 years since UNESCO was founded. In 1950, only around 47 per cent of the world's children aged 5−14 were enrolled in school. Today, that figure has nearly doubled, with 90 per cent of primary school-age children and 86 per cent of lower secondary school-age children in education.

Yet, despite the clear importance of education, it is at risk. UNESCO estimates that to achieve education for all by 2030, a child must enrol in school every two seconds from now on.

Education enables individuals to develop the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to participate fully in society. Through teaching and learning, societies pass on essential knowledge, values and competencies across generations. Education builds foundational literacy and numeracy, strengthens social and emotional skills and equips people to make informed choices about their lives and their communities.

Education is one of the most powerful tools for lifting excluded children and adults out of poverty and is an enabler of other fundamental human rights. It is a cornerstone of peace, justice, and resilience in the face of today's most pressing global challenges. It forms the foundation of democratic society, and the right to education is protected under international law.

To achieve the right to education for all, education must be inclusive, equitable and free from discrimination. UNESCO works closely with Member States and partners to uphold these principles and strengthen education systems worldwide to make sure no learner is left behind.

Education is one of the best investments a society can make for its future. Learning drives growth, reduces poverty, and increases earning potential. In developing countries, every US$1 invested in education generates US$10-US$15 in economic growth.

With access to quality education, learners go on to contribute financially and socially to their communities and drive local innovation. Since 1980, improvements in access to education have reduced extreme poverty by 40 per cent

The price of inaction is huge. Without the necessary literacy and numeracy skills provided through quality education, learners have fewer opportunities and are less likely to thrive. School dropouts and education gaps will cost the global economy up to $10 trillion a year by 2030.

UNESCO calls for governments, financial institutions and the private sector to urgently step up their investment in education. Only four in 10 countries are meeting the 4 per cent of GDP benchmark for education spending, and international aid to education is projected to fall by 25% between 2023 and 2027. For low- and lower-middle-income countries, an estimated annual increase of $97 billion is needed to achieve the goal of quality education for all by 2030.

Investing in resilient education systems means investing in teachers. Without a well-trained, valued and supported teaching profession, there is no quality education.

UNESCO estimates that 44 million additional teachers need to be recruited by 2030 to achieve the goal of quality primary and secondary education for all. This means a global investment of $120 billion per year to cover the salaries of these new teachers.

https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/what-you-need-know-about-educatio n-and-why-it-matters