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. 

Around the world, 273 million children and young people are out of school. Almost three-quarters live in Central and Southern Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.

Regional, economic, social and cultural barriers continue to limit opportunities, particularly for women and girls.

Children with disabilities are 2.5 times more likely to have never attended school.

Conflict severely disrupts education, with nearly a quarter of a billion crisis-affected children and adolescents in urgent need of learning opportunities.

Extreme climate events disrupt schooling for millions of students worldwide.

UNESCO estimates that to achieve education for all by 2030, a child must enrol in school every two seconds from now on. 

Why is education so important?

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. 

Why is investing in education so important?

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. 

How does education foster equality and social cohesion?

Education is a powerful driver of social and economic progress. It equips men and women with the skills to escape poverty, reduce inequalities and lays the foundation for sustainable development. By strengthening education systems, communities become more resilient and self-reliant, creating better prospects for future generations. Progress in education also accelerates progress in health, gender equality, and climate resilience, reinforcing long-term sustainability. 

From early childhood education through to higher education and beyond, education provides the essential skills that build and protect the political, economic, and social fabric of society. The early years of education are particularly important as they paves the way for a successful lifelong learning journey.

Advancing education for girls and women is an important part of that process. It saves lives, reducing maternal and infant mortality and the risk of child marriage. It also helps build more inclusive societies and close gender gaps in the work force, leading to greater social equality and economic prosperity. 

UNESCO promotes gender equality throughout the education system and monitors the right to education for girls and women.

What must be done to protect the right to education?

Protecting education requires a comprehensive approach that strengthens systems, safeguards learners and upholds the principles that make education a human right and a public good. 

Central to this vision is UNESCO’s Convention against Discrimination in Education from 1960, which is the first legally binding international instrument entirely dedicated to the right to education. It commits countries to guarantee equitable and inclusive access to all levels of education. 

This Convention remains essential in the face of mounting pressures, from conflict and climate-driven emergencies to rapid technological change and widening inequalities. It’s not only about giving access to education – it’s about giving every learner an equal chance to succeed in a rapidly changing world. 

Protecting education also means keeping schools safe from targeted attacks and all forms of violence, inside the classroom, in the community and online. 

Education is vulnerable to disruption and must be prioritized in emergencies as a critical part of humanitarian response. As of April 2025, more than 120 million people were forcibly displaced by war, persecution, or natural hazards — the highest number ever recorded. UNESCO has implemented over 320 education in emergency initiatives since 2020, reaching approximately 42.5 million people.

How does UNESCO support education?

Education is UNESCO’s top priority because it lays the foundation for peace and sustainable development. 

As the UN specialized agency for education, UNESCO is leading efforts in the progress towards the global education goal (
SDG4), which calls for quality and inclusive education and lifelong learning opportunities for all. 

UNESCO also monitors global progress to achieve SDG 4 through the Global Education Monitoring Report and uses its convening power to keep education high on the global political agenda through events such as the Global Education Meeting, the World Summit on Teachers and the annual Digital Learning Week.