Let’s Shake Up Education in 2024! – UN’s Deputy Chief Throws Down the Gauntlet
The UN Deputy Secretary-General on Thursday called for a transformation in learning, stressing that receiving a good education represents hope for all future generations.
Addressing a high-level education on education convened by the European Union (EU) in Brussels, Amina Mohammed paid tribute in particular to the children of Gaza, who have had no education for over six months, and where there have been direct hits on 212 schools.
“Today, the light for Gaza and the children of Gaza, is out. We need a commitment to try to light that candle again for the children and the people of Gaza. Education is hope. Education is the future,” she said.
Building momentum
This year will see a series of meetings that will build on the Transforming Education Summit convened by the UN in September 2022 in response to a global crisis in education, after more than 90 per cent of the world’s children lost access to the classroom during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In September this year, world leaders will gather to forge a new international consensus as part of the Summit of the Future.
Ms. Mohammed called for two specific outcomes on education at the Summit.
“First, we need a clear recognition from world leaders of the urgent need to transform and invest in education as a global imperative,” she said.
“Second, we need major breakthroughs on issues that are critical for education, including reform of the international financial architecture, strengthened digital cooperation and a new agenda for peace.”
Education a human right
Without additional measures, an estimated 84 million children and young people will still be denied access to the classroom by 2030, and approximately 300 million students will lack the basic – and vital – numeracy and literacy skills.
“Education is a fundamental human right. Investing in education is the greatest investment we can make in our common future, in peace, and sustainable development, and particularly in gender equality,” Ms. Mohammed stressed.
Contemporary education systems across the world are beset by challenges, including access, equity, relevance and digital inequality – which could leave billions of people behind, she added.
“I know that we can make 2024 a turning point for education. Let’s get to it.”
Spotlight on violence against women
During her visit to Brussels, the Deputy Secretary-General also chaired the Governing Body meeting of the Spotlight Initiative, the world’s largest targeted effort to eliminate violence against women and girls.
The UN initiative is in partnership with the (EU) and other stakeholders and responds to all forms of violence against women and girls.
Its programmes across 30 countries and regions, focus on domestic and family violence, sexual and gender-based violence and rising rates of femicide, together with human trafficking.
Since 2019, the initiative has resulted in more than 2.5 million women and girls accessing gender-based violence services, and two million men and boys have been educated on positive masculinity.
Spotlight Initiative – a partnership between the UN and the EU
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Will the Summit of the Future address the specific challenges faced by children in conflict zones like Gaza, where education has been severely disrupted?
As we strive for a better future in education, it is crucial that we address the unique challenges faced by children in conflict zones like Gaza. Their right to education must be protected and restored to ensure hope and opportunities for their future.
Education is the key to unlocking the potential of future generations. We must prioritize investing in education as a global imperative. Every child deserves access to quality learning opportunities, regardless of their circumstances. Let’s make 2024 the year that marks a significant shift in the way we approach education and ensure that no child is left behind.
In my opinion, Amina Mohammed’s words truly reflect the urgency of the situation. Education is not just about classrooms; it’s about hope and the future. Let’s all come together to ensure that every child, regardless of their circumstances, has access to quality education.
Will the Summit of the Future address the challenges faced by children in conflict zones like Gaza when it comes to accessing education?
Yes, it’s crucial that the Summit of the Future tackles the challenges faced by children in conflict zones like Gaza. Access to education in such areas is not just a right but also a vital pathway towards a brighter future for these children. The international community must prioritize ensuring that education reaches every child, regardless of their circumstances.
It is crucial that world leaders prioritize investing in education to provide hope for the children of Gaza and ensure a brighter future for all generations. The upcoming Summit of the Future must lead to concrete actions that transform the way we approach education globally.
As a former educator myself, I wholeheartedly agree with Amina Mohammed’s call for a renewed focus on transforming education in 2024. It is crucial that we prioritize providing quality education to all children, especially those in conflict-affected regions like Gaza. Education is indeed the key to a brighter future for the next generation.
Education is truly the beacon of hope for the future generations. What Amina Mohammed highlighted is crucial – we need to prioritize transforming and investing in education to ensure a brighter future for all. Let’s light that candle of knowledge and hope for the children of Gaza and beyond.
Amina Mohammed’s call for transforming and investing in education is crucial to ensuring hope and a brighter future, especially for regions like Gaza where children are deprived of education. It’s time for world leaders to take decisive action to light up the path for the next generation.
Ms. Mohammed’s call for a transformation in education is commendable. The focus on rebuilding hope through education, especially for regions like Gaza, is crucial for a brighter future for all. It’s time for world leaders to prioritize education as a global imperative and take meaningful actions to ensure access to quality education for all children.
Will the Summit of the Future address specific plans to support education in conflict regions like Gaza?”