Global goal for access to education likely delayed by over 50 years, UNESCO warns

The goal set out by world leaders for universal access to education by 2030 will likely be missed by over 50 years if current trends continue, according to a report from UNESCO.

Sustainable development goals (SDGs) were set last year for United nations (UN) member states and outline that by 2030 all boys and girls should have access to primary and secondary education.

However, UNESCO’s new Global Education Monitoring (GEM) report found that, based on current trends, the world will achieve universal primary education in 2042, universal lower secondary education in 2059 and universal upper secondary education in 2084.

These timelines are a long way off the 2030 deadline and have led Unesco to call for a fundamental change to education to meet global development goals.

Irina Bokova, UNESCO director-general, said: “A fundamental change is needed in the way we think about education’s role in global development, because it has a catalytic impact on the well-being of individuals and the future of our planet. Now, more than ever, education has a responsibility to be in gear with 21st century challenges and aspirations, and foster the right types of values and skills that will lead to sustainable and inclusive growth, and peaceful living together.”

Aaron Benavot, director of the GEM report, added: “If we want a greener planet, and sustainable futures for all, we must ask more from our education systems than just a transfer of knowledge. We need our schools, universities and lifelong learning programmes to focus on economic, environmental and social perspectives that help nurture empowered, critical, mindful and competent citizens.”