Sustainable Societies
Education
Education is now viewed by many as a basic human right because it enables people to learn about the world and develop those values and lifestyles that reflect their understanding of global realities and their responsibility to prepare for the future.
Article 26 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights proclaims, "Everyone has a right to education." Many national governments and international organizations have embraced the call for free early childhood education, granting universal access to and completion of "basic" schooling, and reducing adult illiteracy. These efforts recognize education's critical role in the improvement of the individual and the societal benefits that are created by an educated population. The statistics support the assertion that education is a value multiplier and is a critical component of building just, equitable and healthy societies that fosters an understanding of sustainable practices.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) notes that significant gender inequalities must be addressed and educational opportunities for all people – children and adults -- must be increased.
- Approximately 17 percent of the world's adults, almost 800 million people, lack basic literacy skills. Of those 800 million adults, two- thirds of those lacking these important skills are women, which significantly impact their economic earning potential.
- Two of every three countries in the world have educational gender disparities at the primary and secondary school levels.
- Lack of access to new communication and information technologies
- the Internet, mass media and a free press -- continue in many developing countries, resulting in a "digital divide" that deprives students of the educational benefits these technologies hold.
A record 1.5 billion children enrolled in elementary schools, combined with an increasing number of adult literacy programs, has resulted in significant progress combating worldwide illiteracy, which has been halved from the 40% worldwide figure of the 1970s. While it is true that educating girls sets off a cascade of positive effects for society - - including higher incomes, increased agricultural productivity, lower child mortality, lower HIV rates and reduced population growth -- it is most important to think of life-long learning for everyone as the ultimate goal.