The UN deputy secretary-general, Amina Mohammed, called for a transformation in learning on Thursday, stressing that receiving a good education represents hope for all future generations.

Addressing a high-level meeting on education convened by the European Union in Brussels, Mohammed paid tribute in particular to the children of Gaza, who have had no education for over six months and where there have been direct hits on 212 schools.

“Today, the light for Gaza and the children of Gaza, is out. We need a commitment to try to light that candle again for the children and the people of Gaza. Education is hope. Education is the future,” she said in a statement.

This year will see a series of meetings that will build on the Transforming Education Summit, convened by the UN in September 2022 in response to a global crisis in education after more than 90 per cent of the world’s children lost access to the classroom during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In September this year, world leaders will gather to forge a new international consensus as part of the Summit of the Future.

Ms Mohammed called for two specific outcomes on education at the Summit.

“First, we need a clear recognition from world leaders on the urgent need to transform and invest in education as a global imperative,” she said. “Second, we need major breakthroughs on issues that are critical for education, including reform of the international financial architecture, strengthened digital cooperation and a new agenda for peace.”

Without additional measures, an estimated 84 million children and young people will still be denied access to the classroom by 2030, and approximately 300 million students will lack the basic – and vital – numeracy and literacy skills.

“Education is a fundamental human right. Investing in education is the greatest investment we can make in our common future, in peace, and sustainable development, and particularly in gender equality,” Ms Mohammed said.

She added that contemporary education systems worldwide are beset by challenges, including access, equity, relevance, and digital inequality, which could leave billions of people behind.

“I know that we can make 2024 a turning point for education. Let’s get to it,” the UN deputy chief stressed.

(NAN)