Global Education Summit: Addressing the Education Crisis in the Time of COVID-19

Strategic Insights -

The United Nations Secretary-General urges the international community to support the replenishment of the Global Partnership for Education, a vital initiative to prevent the reversal of progress on education amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. The Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed, delivered a video message to the Global Education Summit, highlighting the alarming statistics of the education crisis. The pandemic has already contributed to greater educational inequality, a surge in child labor, and child marriage, with over 156 million students still affected by closures.

Key Takeaways:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to greater educational inequality, with 156 million students still affected by closures.
  • A surge in child labor and child marriage has been observed due to the education crisis.
  • Over 25 million students may never return to school due to the pandemic.
  • Education is a human right, a global public good, and the bedrock of more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable societies.
  • The Secretary-General urges support for the replenishment of the Global Partnership for Education to prevent the reversal of progress on education.
  • Investment in teachers, digital learning, and systems that are fit for the future is essential for an effective recovery from the pandemic.
  • The entire 2030 Agenda hinges on education, as it is the key to more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable societies.

Statistics:

  • Over 1.6 billion young people were out of school during the pandemic, with 90% of the world's students affected.
  • 156 million students are still affected by closures due to the pandemic.
  • 25 million students may never return to school due to the pandemic.
  • The pandemic has led to a surge in child labor and child marriage, affecting millions of young people worldwide.

Sources:

  • United Nations Secretary-General's video message to the Global Education Summit
  • Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed's speech at the Global Education Summit
  • Contify.com (emailed press release)
  • United Nations News (http://milnz.co.nz/mil-osi-aggregation/) - Copyright 2021 Multimedia Investments Ltd