Education is the bedrock of any thriving society. It equips individuals with the necessary skills to excel in their communities, participate in politics, and contribute to the economy. The benefits of investing in education extend beyond the individual level and have far-reaching implications for countries and the world as a whole. Quality education not only improves employability, earnings, and health outcomes for individuals, but it also fuels scientific advancements, drives innovation, and fosters social cohesion at a global scale.
In today’s rapidly changing world, investing in education becomes even more critical to ensure the resilience of nations. As the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) emphasizes, investing in human capital can foster long-term resilience and secure the well-being of future societies, particularly in countries with large youth populations. Studies by the World Economic Forum reveal that education is essential for protecting economies from sudden shocks and adapting to rapidly evolving labor markets. Recognizing this, the Group of Seven (G7) meeting in Hiroshima in 2023 underscored the importance of education in achieving the United Nations’ sustainable development goals. Education is not only crucial for economic development but also plays a fundamental role in promoting global peace and security. With its far-reaching societal and economic benefits, education paves the way for economic growth, peace, and stability.
Unfortunately, despite its significance, the importance of investing in access and quality education often goes unnoticed. Global crises such as the Covid-19 pandemic, climate change, inflation, emerging market debt, and geopolitical conflicts tend to overshadow education in the development discourse. These challenges dominate the news, command substantial donor funds, and consume countries’ fiscal resources. However, the arguments that mobilized substantial investment in basic education since the 1990 Declaration on Education for All no longer adequately address the realities and challenges of today’s world. Education needs more advocates beyond traditional development circles, and its focus should expand to encompass post-secondary education and workforce development.
To generate greater interest and engagement, education must be firmly embedded in policy discussions related to peacebuilding, women’s inclusion, and state fragility. By highlighting the interconnectedness between education and these critical themes, education can attract a wider range of constituents. As former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan stated, “Education is quite simply peace-building by another name.”
Current Global Educational Challenges
Developing countries have made considerable progress in improving access to education, with a significant increase in primary and secondary school enrollment over the past decades. However, the Covid-19 pandemic has had a detrimental impact on education outcomes worldwide. UNESCO estimates that more than 1.6 billion students have been affected by school closures, leading to significant learning losses. The World Bank warns that the pandemic-related disruptions could result in this generation losing $21 trillion in potential lifetime earnings. The pandemic has disrupted children’s education during their formative years, jeopardizing countries’ economic potential. Furthermore, significant challenges remain in terms of education quality, women’s and girls’ inclusion, and fiscal constraints faced by countries.
Investing in Education Can Forge Strong Economies and Open Societies
Amidst the complex global landscape, demographic shifts are reshaping the provision of education. Some regions are experiencing rapid population aging, while others, such as Africa and the Middle East, are witnessing a growing youth bulge. By 2050, over half of global population growth is expected to occur in Africa, necessitating education and training for billions of young people worldwide. Investing in quality education equips children and youth with the necessary skills to thrive in the future workforce. Increased human capital leads to higher wages, greater labor force participation, and economic growth. Education also plays a vital role in fostering open and democratic societies, empowering younger generations to address complex challenges at local, national, and global levels. Digital literacy, in particular, enables citizens to engage actively in democratic processes and contributes to building stronger democracies.
Investing in Education Can Prevent Conflict and Rebuild Social Cohesion
Many countries struggle with conflict, internal displacement, and the effects of climate change. Fragile contexts, mainly in sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East, have large youth populations, making up almost three-quarters of the total population. Investing in education is a powerful tool for conflict prevention. UNESCO estimates that doubling the percentage of youth with secondary education can cut the risk of conflict in half. Countries with high levels of educational inequality are prone to violent conflict, particularly horizontal inequality across ethnic and religious subgroups. Furthermore, quality education plays a pivotal role in post-conflict settings, facilitating social reconstruction, strengthening social cohesion, and fostering peace among marginalized groups.
Investing in Women’s and Girls’ Education Can Promote Peace and Stability
Women and girls face discrimination and exclusion, with limited access to education and participation in society, politics, and the economy. However, numerous studies highlight the positive impacts of educating and empowering women and girls, such as higher household earnings, improved standards of living, and better health outcomes. Educated women and girls contribute to reducing conflict and increasing stability. Gender equality and women’s participation in the economy are significant predictors of a country’s susceptibility to violent conflict. Additionally, women’s participation in peace negotiations leads to higher chances of reaching a peaceful settlement with longer-lasting agreements. Investing in women’s and girls’ education fosters inclusiveness and reduces the risk of violent conflict.
Conclusion
Education is a fundamental enabler of opportunities for individuals and drives innovation and growth for economies. However, to prioritize education, a new narrative is needed that emphasizes its implications for human well-being and security. By linking education to peacebuilding, women’s empowerment, and state fragility, education can garner increased interest from a broader set of global leaders. An educated population is vital for promoting gender equity, combating climate crises, and building a safer and more prosperous world for future generations.
This article was written by Daniel F. Runde, Romina Bandura, and Madeleine McLean from the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). It is made possible through a partnership with the Global Partnership for Education (GPE). Investment
