The event seeks to highlight the growing momentum around the implementation of SDG 4, including in the area of SDG Learning. It also aims to shed light on the obstacles and opportunities for achieving universal access to quality education and lifelong learning including through technical and vocational education and training. “Education is a development multiplier, a pillar of global citizenship and a force for peace,” says UNESCO’s Director General, Irina Bokova.

Sustainable Development Goal 4 on education is at the heart of the 2030 Agenda and essential for the success of all Sustainable Development Goals. National governments and the international community need to ensure quality education for all. This includes smart, innovative measures to reach young learners, as well as relevant education and training required to address common social, environmental and economic challenges across the world. Equal educational opportunity for girls and women is also critical in achieving gender equality, reducing child mortality, delaying marriage and generating female leaders.

Many strong advocates for education will also be present at the event including, among others, Dessima Williams, Special Adviser, SDG Implementation, Office of the President of the General Assembly, Amina Mohamed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Saul Mwame, Founder of the Building Africa's Future Foundation.

There will be discussions between Ministerial participants and panelists on what is needed to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 4 by 2030 with Alice Albright, CEO of Global Partnership for Education as moderator.  A session on innovation in education, education in vulnerable and humanitarian situations as well as on education for sustainable development and global citizenship will take place.  The meeting will also include a TAGe (Talking across Generations) roundtable organized by UNESCO’s Mahatma Gandhi Institute for Peace and Sustainable Development to engage young people and career experts in a discussion about education.  The gathering will also elaborate on how to advance the incorporation of the SDGs into the curricula of every school in the world.

A breakfast event with Save the Children, co-hosted by UNESCO, will concentrate on accelerating progress for the most marginalized and vulnerable children with a specific focus on experience in Jordan and Indonesia, as well as, the role of technology in accountability and the link between education and nutrition.

Raising awareness of the new development agenda, fostering better understanding about the SDGs and their interconnectedness and promoting global citizenship, all play an instrumental role in making progress not only towards SDG 4, but also towards the entire Agenda 2030.