UNESCO believes that education is a human right for all throughout life and that access must be matched by quality. The Organization is the only United Nations agency with a mandate to cover all aspects of education. It has been entrusted to lead the Global Education 2030 Agenda through Sustainable Development Goal 4. Connected within the Target 4.7, Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) and Global Citizenship Education (GCED) are recognized as mutually reinforcing approaches.

UNESCO provides global and regional leadership in education, strengthens education systems worldwide through Education Sector Planning and Management and responds to contemporary global challenges through gender equality an underlying principle. ICT in Education works as a tool and catalyst.

Its work encompasses educational development from pre-school to higher education and beyond. Themes include global citizenship and sustainable development, human rights and gender equality, health and well-being, lifelong learning, preventing violent extremism, as well as technical and vocational skills development. Quality teachers, their training, recruitment, retention, status and working conditions are key to sustainable global development.