Civil Society Organisations contribute to the global discussion on the futures of education
UNESCO’s Collective Consultation of NGOs on Education 2030 (CCNGO) Coordination Group, representing some 300 national, regional and international NGOs, has submitted an independent report to the Futures of Education Initiative reflecting on current and future global trends and the role of education and CSOs within it.
The report is timely ahead of the international review spearheaded by the Global Education Monitoring 2021/2 report on non-state actors in education. It reflects on how CSOs in the education field will evolve in a world of rising inequality fuelling tensions, increased alienation from automation and uncertainty caused by multiple crises, not least climate change. The report makes the case for CSOs flexibility and adaptability as increasingly valuable and necessary in the face of new challenges.
Presented in three main chapters, “The role of Civil Society Organisations in 2050 and beyond” firstly elaborates on education as a human right and transformative concept in the face of rising challenges, trends and future horizons. The second chapter describes CSOs as “critical friends and partners” to government and other actors in education. The third chapter looks at how CSOs support citizen empowerment and learning environments at community level.
The report showcases CSOs role in advocating for a humanistic vision of education in the reflection and development of policy, legislation and financing, with a lifelong learning perspective. It calls on CSOs to maximise resources, expertise and develop strategic partnerships to secure their place in future governance and decision-making arenas. It also emphasizes their need to seek more formalised ways to cooperate, synergize and co-construct innovative, sustainable and coherent solutions alongside joint advocacy initiatives at sub-national, national, regional and international levels.
CSOs bring the vital human touch and human hand necessary for the co-construction of inclusive education, knowledge and policy frameworks. The report elaborates nine recommendations to guide and support CSOs and their partners towards shaping a sustainable future. Read the report here
The CCNGO is UNESCO’s long-standing mechanism for dialogue, reflection and partnership with NGOs working in the field of education. Founded in 1984, the CCNGO is a network of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) committed to ensuring that the voice of the community is strengthened and considered in diverse decision-making arenas.