Rethinking research and knowledge

One of the key recommendations of the Report of the International Commission on the Futures of Education is the steering of a new research agenda that is wide-ranging, multifaceted, future-oriented, planet-wide and that draws on diverse forms of knowledge and perspectives. 

UNESCO’s is spearheading this work, bringing to the fore research rooted in different disciplines to explore new perspectives on emerging trends in education and the broader role of education across society.

Rethinking knowledge and research

Education Research and Foresight Papers

The Education Research and Foresight Working Papers contribute to global debates on education and development in a world of uncertainty, complexity and contradiction. They serve a wide audience of policy analysts, academics, and practitioners. The series also provides insights into key issues within the framework of both the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Transforming Education Summit process and discussions on the post-2030 international development agenda. Available in Arabic, English, French and Spanish.

ERF papers visual identity

Renewing a Social Contract for Education

Following the unprecedented global consensus on the need for a new social contract for education, as encapsulated in the report Reimagining Our Futures Together, UNESCO commissioned research into the follow-up on the call for further innovative research. This series of papers covers issues from the purpose of education, regulatory frameworks for multiple actors, leadership, the knowledge commons, global governance and ways to transform the future.

Renewing the Social Contract

Background Papers from Futures of Education Initiative

During the consultative process of the Futures of Education Initiative, UNESCO produced and commissioned several background papers to enrich the reflection. These papers particularly examined issues related to: Human and Planetary Sustainability; Knowledge Production, Access and Governance; Citizenship and Participation; Work and Economic Security, and; other Thematically Cross-Cutting issues.

Futures of education

Literature review of for the International Commission on the Futures of Education

In the course of supporting the International Commission on the Futures of Education (September 2019 - October 2020) the UNESCO Secretariat reviewed over 200 reports to understand what is being said about the future of education.

FoE literature review