UNESCO Global Education Monitoring Report 2024

November 9, 2024

The UNESCO Global Education Monitoring Report 2024 reveals a troubling reality. Despite progress in school enrolment, 251 million children and youth remain out of school. The report marks a mere 1% reduction in the out-of-school population over nearly a decade. This stagnation is alarming, especially given the rising completion rates in secondary education. Urgent measures are necessary to address educational disparities.

Current Educational Landscape

Since the adoption of the UN Sustainable Development Goal on education in 2015, 110 million more children have entered school. Completion rates for secondary education have increased by 40 million. However, 33% of school-aged children in low-income countries are still out of school. In contrast, only 3% of children in high-income countries face similar challenges. More than half of the out-of-school youth reside in sub-Saharan Africa.

Education Financing Challenges

The UNESCO–World Bank Education Finance Watch 2024 identifies funding as a critical barrier. Four in ten countries allocate less than 15% of public expenditure to education. Many invest less than 4% of their GDP in education. Low-income countries spent only $55 per learner in 2022, while high-income countries invested $8,543. Additionally, debt servicing burdens are growing, with African nations spending nearly as much on debt as on education.

Need for Innovative Financing Mechanisms

The reports call for innovative financing solutions, such as debt-for-education swaps. These mechanisms can convert unsustainable debt into educational investments. Past bilateral initiatives have shown promise. A multilateral platform could facilitate negotiations for converting debt into funding for education. This approach could involve collaboration with UNESCO, the G20, and global education funds.

International Cooperation and Solidarity

The reports emphasise the importance of international solidarity in addressing educational exclusions. The decline in official development assistance for education, from 9.3% in 2019 to 7.6% in 2022, is concerning. Strengthening global partnerships is essential to tackle the financing gap. Countries must work together to ensure equitable access to quality education worldwide.

The Role of G20 and UNESCO

The Global Education Meeting, hosted by Brazil, coincided with the G20 Education Ministers’ Meeting. This synergy marks a commitment to equity and inclusion in education. Brazil aims to lead discussions on overcoming educational inequalities. The focus is on integrating tangible actions into national agendas. The goal is to encourage a global dialogue that addresses socioeconomic disparities and values cultural diversity.

The UNESCO report puts stress on the need for bold leadership in education. Member States must prioritise investments in education. Innovative financing and international collaboration are crucial. The focus should remain on providing every child with the opportunity to learn and thrive. Addressing the educational crisis requires immediate and sustained action from all stakeholders.

Important Facts for Exams:
UNESCO–World Bank Education Finance Watch: This report marks funding as a critical barrier to education. It reveals that many countries invest less than the agreed benchmarks for education.
Debt-for-Education Swaps: This innovative financing mechanism converts unsustainable debt into educational investments. It aims to provide funding where traditional financial resources are lacking for education.
Global Partnership for Education: This multilateral fund focuses on improving education globally. It seeks to enhance funding and support for education initiatives in low-income countries.

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