Education a Major Driving Force for Human Development – Ban Ki Moon

  “Education is a major driving force for human development. It opens doors to the job market, combats inequality, improves maternal health, reduces child mortality, fosters solidarity, and promotes environmental stewardship. Education empowers people with the knowledge, skills and values they need to build a better world,” said the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in a statement launching his new initiative – Education First – on 26th September.

The Initiative focuses on three priorities:

“First, putting every child in school. The global community pledged to achieve universal primary education by 2015. We need to make all the necessary investments to ensure that every child has equal access to schooling.

Second, improving the quality of learning. Access to education is critical. But it is not enough. We must make sure that people acquire relevant skills to participate successfully in today’s knowledge-based society.

Third, fostering global citizenship. Education is much more than an entry to the job market. It has the power to shape a sustainable future and better world. Education policies should promote peace, mutual respect and environmental care.”

Ban Ki Moon called on world leaders and all involved with education to join this initiative and fulfil the promise to make quality education available to all children, young people and adults. “Together, we can empower individuals to transform our world” he stated.

The full statement can be read here