Before the pandemic, progress towards quality education was not as fast as it should have been, but the effects of COVID-19 have been devastating, causing learning losses in four out of five of the 104 countries studied.

If additional measures are not taken, some 84 million children and young people will not be able to enter school by 2030, and nearly 300 million students will lack the basic numeracy and literacy skills needed to succeed in life.

In addition to free primary and secondary education for all boys and girls by 2030, the goal is to provide equal access to affordable vocational training, eliminate discrimination based on gender and wealth, and achieve universal access to quality higher education.

Education is the key to achieving many of the other SDGs. Access to quality education enables people to move out of poverty.

Education helps reduce inequality and achieve gender parity. It empowers people everywhere to live healthier and more sustainable lives. It is also crucial in promoting tolerance among people and contributes to building more peaceful societies. To achieve Goal 4, financing education must become a national investment priority. Moreover, measures such as making education free and compulsory, increasing the number of teachers, improving basic school infrastructure, and embracing digital transformation are essential.