Elevating Education Around The World

The United Nations' latest session took place this past September from the 13th to the 17th at the UN Headquarters in New York. At the session, the 193 countries discussed current global challenges - especially after the pandemic - and solutions to build global sustainability and resilience. 

A particular emphasis during these sessions was on UN Sustainable development goal 4, Quality education. So many learners continue to struggle without the right foundation and tools to succeed in a post-pandemic world. 

Changes are overdue and need to be addressed now. 

Why do we need to transform education?

1. Education is a human right.
2. Schools must be inclusive, safe, and healthy.
3. Learning is critical for development.
4. Education must promote sustainable development.
5. Education requires investment.
6. The digital revolution is key to transformation.

Elevating Education in a Post-Pandemic World 

Elevating Education is at the top of the global political agenda. Governments understand the needs of children worldwide and aim to create solutions to recover pandemic-related learning losses and transform education. The road to education transformation- starts in our schools.

Do you feel access to education was an issue during the pandemic and subsequent lockdowns? - working and learning from home wasn't easy. There was little guidance for schools and learners. In some cases, there wasn't enough support or resources, and many students fell behind. In addition, some learners were more affected than others. Either because they didn't have access to digital tools or because they lacked the support at home. 

So with this in mind, during the 77th UN session in New York, the "Transforming Education Summit" focused exclusively on finding solutions and developing alternatives for those left behind or out of the conventional educational system. 

So here is what happened: 

Gateways to Public Digital Learning

Launched by UNESCO and UNICEF, the Gateway to Public Digital Learning is a multi-partner initiative that aims to create and strengthen inclusive free digital learning platforms and educational content available for all. 

The objectives are:

1. To have national free resources that complement and support teaching and learning in school. But also open avenues for self-driven education and lifelong learning.
2. To secure access to the Internet in all communities. 
3. For schools and learners to have access to the tools needed - computers and the Internet. 
4. For schools to have their school curriculum aligned with digital education. 

"The internet allows unprecedented – although currently underutilized – possibilities for sharing, cooperation, and the pooling of resources that can benefit learners, teachers, and families within countries and also across them." - The United Nations. 

How will it work? 

1. UNESCO will create international norms and standards to help countries ensure the quality of public digital learning platforms and inform national targets and benchmarks.
2. UNICEF will develop and showcase best practices, research, and evidence about digital education resources and platforms, across different contexts, focusing on equity, scalability, safety, and impact.

The Greening Education Partnership 

It aims to prepare every learner to acquire the knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes to tackle climate change and promote sustainable development. This partnership is led by UNESCO, Japan, and the United Kingdom. Greening education wants to empower citizens of the future with the skills needed for inclusive and sustainable living. 

From pre-k to adult education, Greening Education will equip all learners with what they need to understand the complexity of the climate and environmental crisis. Helping us all grow more sustainable cities for the future. 

These are very exciting times for both learners and educators and anyone involved in providing the platforms we need at a global level to digitalize learning. Also, very exciting time for us as humans to learn, develop, and work toward more sustainable ways of living.