Quality Edu

Progress toward quality education was already slower than required before the COVID-19 pandemic further stalled gains. Global school completion rates have risen only modestly since 2015, and overall learning proficiency remains low. As of 2024, 273 million children and youth were out of school—a 3% increase since 2015 with the largest concentration in low-income countries.

Education is the cornerstone that allows us to achieve many other Sustainable Development Goals. When people have access to quality education, they can finally break free from the cycle of poverty. Beyond securing free primary and secondary schooling for all boys and girls by 2030, Goal 4 aims to provide equal access to affordable vocational training, eliminate gender and wealth disparities, and ensure universal access to quality higher education.

Education reduces inequalities, drives gender equality, and empowers people to live healthier, more sustainable lives. It is also crucial for fostering tolerance and building peaceful societies. To deliver on Goal 4, education financing must become a top national investment priority, supported by measures like making education free and compulsory, increasing the number of teachers, improving basic school infrastructure, and embracing digital transformation.