The number of children and young people missing out on education worldwide has surged to 273 million, according to the latest Global Education Monitoring (GEM) report by UNESCO. This marks the seventh consecutive year of rising figures, highlighting persistent gaps in access to schooling.
The report reveals that roughly one in six school-age children is excluded from formal education, and only about two-thirds of students complete secondary school. Progress has slowed across most regions since 2015, with factors such as ongoing conflicts and rapid population growth driving much of the setback. Sub-Saharan Africa is among the hardest hit, with conflict zones bearing the brunt, often leaving millions of children unaccounted for in official statistics.
Despite these challenges, UNESCO emphasizes that the past two decades have seen notable gains. Global enrolment has steadily increased, with more than 25 additional children entering school every minute since 2000. Certain countries have made remarkable strides, reducing out-of-school rates and expanding educational opportunities across all levels.
The report underscores that addressing school exclusion requires more than one-size-fits-all solutions. Tailored policies, sustained investment, and targeted interventions are essential to ensure every child has the chance to learn and thrive.
