The UN president noted that education is quickly turning into “a big divider” rather than “the great enabler,” noting that 70% of 10-year-olds in underdeveloped nations are illiterate and “barely learning.” The wealthy have access to the greatest resources, colleges, and employment, while the poor, particularly girls, individuals who have been relocated, and students with disabilities face significant barriers to obtaining the education that could transform their life.
The Sustainable Development Goal #4, which focuses on equitable access to high-quality education, has been “dealt a hammer blow to progress on COVID-19,” according to the report. He insisted that “education is failing kids and societies,” citing rote learning, obsolete and constrictive curricula, and undertrained and underpaid teachers. While the funding gap for education “yawns greater than ever,” disadvantaged pupils are penalised by the digital divide.
The UN chief emphasised that “now is the moment to change education institutions.” He emphasised the need for excellent learning to assist each learner’s lifelong growth in light of the emerging 21st century education vision. “It must assist people in learning how to learn, with an emphasis on teamwork and problem-solving…give the building blocks for learning, from reading, writing, and math to science, technology, social skills, and emotional intelligence…fostering students’ ability to adjust to a workplace that is continuously changing, and being accessible to everybody at all stages of life.
Mr. Guterres emphasised the need for education systems that “distinguish reality from conspiracy, instil respect for science, and celebrate humanity in all its diversity” in an era of pervasive misinformation, climate denial, and attacks on human rights.