In the 30 years since the World Declaration on Education for All (Jomtien Declaration, Thailand), the world has made enormous strides in achieving the target of universal primary education.
Total enrolment rates in developing regions reached 91 percent in 2015 and the worldwide number of children out of school has dropped by almost half. However, large disparities remain. Children from the poorest households are up to five times more likely to be out of school than those of the richest households. Disparities between rural and urban areas also remain high.
As education inequality threatens to widen because of the COVID-19 pandemic, and with only 10 years to go to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), now, more than ever, is the time for the world to come together and accelerate change through innovative and sustainable solutions.