Why it matters
Education is a powerful driver of development and one of the strongest instruments for reducing poverty. Progress has been slow since 2015, and the COVID-19 pandemic caused significant learning losses that have not been fully recovered.
Key facts
- 58%Only 58% of students worldwide achieved minimum reading proficiency by 2019.Source: UN SDG Report 2024
- Completion rates have risen only modestly since 2015.Source: UN SDG Report 2024
- Learning proficiency remains low, with declining math and reading scores in many countries.Source: UN SDG Report 2024
What the world agreed to
Key targets for Goal 4. The full list, with indicators, is on the UN's site.
See all targets on sdgs.un.org- Ensure all children complete free, equitable, and quality primary and secondary education
- Ensure access to quality early childhood development, care, and pre-primary education
- Ensure equal access to affordable technical, vocational, and higher education
- Substantially increase the number of youth and adults with relevant skills for employment
Take action on Goal 4
Campaigns on this goal
Things you can do this week
Community
Nobody has added Quality Education to their profile yet. Be the first.
Who leads globally
4 UN agencies and international organizations work on Goal 4.
- ITUInternational Telecommunication UnionCoordinates global telecommunications networks and services.
- UNESCOUN Educational, Scientific and Cultural OrganizationBuilds peace through education, science, culture and communication.
- UNHCRUN High Commissioner for RefugeesSafeguards the rights and well-being of refugees and displaced people.
- UNICEFUnited Nations Children's FundWorks for children's rights, survival, development and protection.
Closely connected goals
Progress here moves together with these goals.