The Global Education Challenge
Scaling Up to Tackle the Learning Crisis
In an era when youth are the fastest-growing segment of the population in many parts of the world, new data estimates 263 million children and young people are out of school, overwhelmingly in poor countries. Additionally, 825 million young people will not have the basic literacy, numeracy, and digital skills to compete for the jobs of 2030. Absent a significant political and financial investment in their education, beginning with basic education, there is a serious risk that this youth “bulge” will drive instability and constrain economic growth. More money alone will not fix the problem. Addressing this global challenge requires new champions at the highest level and new approaches.