Important Facts of the News
- 272 million children and young people worldwide are currently out of school.
- Global teacher shortage is estimated at 44 million.
- Annual global education financing gap is around $97 billion.
- Governments are encouraged to allocate at least 15 per cent of domestic revenue and 4 per cent of GDP to education.
- Learning outcomes have declined following the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Girls in the poorest countries are least likely to reach upper secondary education.
- Millions of learners still lack access to digital tools.
- Event took place at the Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha, Qatar.
- Doha Political Declaration aims to advance poverty reduction, decent work and social inclusion.
- UNESCO has prepared recommendations for safe and effective use of AI in education.
Global Leaders Call for Stronger Education Commitments
At the Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized that education must remain at the heart of efforts to build fair, inclusive and economically secure societies. Speaking at a high-level gathering focused on the future of learning, he underlined that education forms the basis of social progress, opportunities for decent work and gender equality.
He noted that despite long-term commitments to Sustainable Development Goal 4, many gaps in access, teaching and resources persist. These gaps have grown more prominent due to rising inequalities and financial pressures faced by governments, particularly in developing countries.
Rising Challenges to Universal Access
According to the Secretary-General, 272 million children and young people are still out of school, with the largest shares living in the poorest regions and conflict-affected communities. Even where enrolment exists, many students complete schooling without basic literacy or numeracy skills. Digital learning tools remain out of reach for millions, deepening existing inequalities.
Girls in the lowest-income settings continue to face major barriers, particularly in progressing to higher levels of schooling. People with disabilities, migrants, refugees and those living in remote or underserved areas often experience similar challenges.
Strengthening Teachers and Supporting Learning Quality
A major concern raised at the summit was the global shortage of educators. An estimated 44 million additional trained teachers are required worldwide. Many teachers currently lack adequate training or resources to provide inclusive and high-quality learning.
Following the Transforming Education Summit, a High-Level Panel on the Teaching Profession has prepared recommendations to support recruitment, training and retention. Countries were encouraged to adopt these measures to ensure every learner has qualified and motivated teachers.
Addressing the Financing Gap
The financing gap for education has grown to approximately $97 billion per year. The Secretary-General stated that education should be seen as a long-term investment rather than a fiscal burden. He urged governments to allocate a minimum of 15 per cent of national revenue and 4 per cent of GDP to the sector.
He also highlighted the need for stronger support to developing countries, including increased lending capacity for global development banks, fairer representation in international financial institutions and efforts to reduce debt pressure.
Ensuring Future-Ready Learning
Strengthening foundational skills remains essential, but the summit also called for broader learning frameworks that include problem-solving, digital literacy, entrepreneurship and ongoing skill development. The role of artificial intelligence was acknowledged, with emphasis on using it to support teachers rather than replace them. UNESCO has prepared guidance to ensure responsible use of AI in education.
The Doha Political Declaration adopted during the summit aims to enhance efforts to eliminate poverty, expand decent work opportunities and support social inclusion. Education was highlighted as a key driver of achieving these shared goals.
Together Toward Inclusive Education
Participants stressed that equitable, quality education can transform societies and economies only if gaps in access, teaching, financing and learning outcomes are systematically addressed. The call from Doha was clear: every learner must have the opportunity to learn and thrive.