Education is a fundamental human right.

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It’s the bedrock of societies, economies, and every person’s potential.

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But without adequate investment, this potential will wither on the vine.

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It has always been shocking to me that education has been given such a low priority in many government policies and in international cooperation instruments.

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The theme of this year’s International Day of Education reminds us that “to invest in people, prioritize education.”

Investment is critical to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4.

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Last year’s Transforming Education Summit gathered the world together to reimagine education systems so every learner accesses the knowledge and skills required to succeed.  

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Over 130 countries made commitments to ensure that universal quality education becomes a central pillar of public policies and investments.

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A Call to Action on Educational Investment and the establishment of the International Financing Facility for Education created a fresh push on domestic and international financing.

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And the Summit launched a range of global initiatives to mobilize support for  education in crises settings, girls’ education, foundational learning, transforming teaching, digital tools, and green education systems.

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Now is the time for all countries to translate their Summit commitments into concrete actions that create supportive and inclusive learning environments for all students.

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Now is also the time to end all discriminatory laws and practices that hinder access to education. I call on the de facto authorities in Afghanistan in particular to reverse the outrageous and self-defeating ban on access to secondary and higher education for girls.

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I also encourage countries to place education at the heart of preparations for the SDG Summit in 2023 and the Summit of the Future in 2024.

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Most of all, I urge civil society and youth to continue calling for more and better investment in quality education.

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Let’s keep the flame of transformation burning.

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Let’s deliver education systems that can support equal societies, dynamic economies and the limitless dreams of every learner in the world.