Education for All means more than primary education, declare world leaders at ECOSOC

Countries participating in the 2011 High-Level Segment of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) adopted a ministerial declaration on 8 July that recognizes the strong links between education and progress towards all the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), thus placing education at the heart of development.

The Declaration, unanimously adopted, notes the importance of moving beyond the second MDG of universal primary education in favour of a more holistic and inclusive vision of education systems.              

“This Declaration represents a clear recognition by Member States of the central role that education plays in driving social and economic development,” said Irina Bokova, Director-General of UNESCO. “I am confident that the vision expressed in this document will be a powerful lever for mobilizing resources and accelerating progress towards Education for All.”              

Member States strongly re-affirmed the pledge made at the World Education Forum (Dakar, Senegal, 2000) to reach the six Education for All goals and endorsed UNESCO´s leading role in the implementation of EFA.              

A greater focus on the transition from primary education, access to secondary education, vocational training and non-formal education, as well as entry into the labour market, was recommended. Countries also advocated the promotion of expanded access to quality higher education.              

Ministers expressed concern about persistent education inequities among and within countries, and lack of progress on specific EFA goals, in particular education quality, early childhood care and education, skills development and adult literacy. They called for more effective and efficient international cooperation to advance in these areas.              

At the opening of the High-Level Segment on 4 July, Ms Bokova called for a new global solidarity compact. She urged political commitment, innovation and partnership to bridge the gaps that are holding back progress towards Education for All. “Less than four years away from 2015, we cannot accept business as usual,” she said. “I am positive we can engage in a new global solidarity compact and start setting the agenda today for after 2015.”