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The journey to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG4) on quality education is ongoing. It requires a collective, unwavering commitment to transform education systems for every learner. The Stocktake of Transformative Actions in Education, which took place in Paris at UNESCO’s headquarters on 17 June 2024, was a significant milestone, showcasing the global community's unified efforts and dedication in this pursuit. 

Much work has been done in the lead-up to the Stocktake. We know that the global education crisis is deepening, and the 2030 deadline for achieving SDG4 is approaching. Despite the challenges, significant progress has been made. The 17 June event was a testament to the work we have accomplished, the work that is in progress, and the promise of what transformation can look like in the future, inspiring a sense of hope and possibility for better, more equitable education systems. 

The road to transformation was catapulted at the 2022 United Nations Transforming Education Summit. The Summit marked a pivotal moment, galvanizing action, ambition, and solidarity and elevating education to the top of the political agenda. This robust mobilization led to 144 countries presenting national statements of commitment, documenting their determination to transform education systems in line with their commitments. 

But we cannot let the momentum of the Summit be lost. It is crucial to turn the commitments made into action. To actualize this vision, on the Summit’s first anniversary, UNESCO invited its Member States and countries to participate in the Survey on Country Actions to Transform Education, encouraging them to report on how they have translated their national statements of commitments into actions. The survey welcomed responses from all countries, even those that did not submit national statements of commitment, emphasizing the urgency and need for immediate action. 

The high turnout for the survey is a testament to countries motivation and will to make progress toward SDG4. It was completed by 92 country governments (47.2%). Of these, 74 countries (51.4% of the 144 countries that made commitments) submitted both national statements of commitment and survey responses.

The SDG4 High-Level Steering Committee called on UNESCO to develop a monitoring and accountability tool to facilitate cross-country learning and track progress toward achieving SDG4. The Dashboard of Country Commitments and Actions to Transform Education and the ‘Transforming Education Towards SDG4: Report of a Global Survey on Country Actions to Transform Education’ were developed, the findings of which were presented at the Stocktake. 

The Dashboard and Survey Report are key instruments that guide countries as they track their progress in fulfilling their national statements of commitments. The Dashboard allows users to filter by region and thematic area, among other features, to see the actions countries are undertaking to transform education. The Survey Report aims to further facilitate cross-country learning by documenting transformative actions and sharing experiences and best practices. Unlike the Dashboard, which provides an overview, the report offers a comprehensive and in-depth analysis of countries’ survey responses.

The survey report presents the diverse actions countries are taking to accelerate progress towards SDG4. Each country's efforts are woven together to create a narrative of progress and challenges, allowing us to learn from one another. Some countries focused on enhancing existing frameworks, while others targeted adopting new comprehensive, whole-of-government strategies. The common thread was clear—a unified effort to achieve SDG4. 

What stands out in the Survey Reports Highlights is the almost universal emphasis on digital technologies, education financing, teachers, and updating the curriculum to bring 21st-century skills to learners. We must rethink and reimagine teaching and learning to meet the needs of the 21^st century. Let’s delve deeper into these findings. 

Imagine digital technology bridging gaps in and outside of the classroom to reach every learner. Countries are working toward realizing this vision. The survey responses revealed a near-universal commitment to digital learning. An impressive 95% of countries reported actions related to digital learning, including actions to expand internet connectivity, promote equity, and bridge the digital divide. 

Digital tools are touching every aspect of education. They are being utilized in teaching training, updating curricula and fostering independence, helping learners pursue diverse interests and developing lifelong skills. The rapid technological evolution is reshaping education. 

Yet, challenges still remain, such as ensuring content quality and fully addressing the ‘digital divide.’ Transformation must be accompanied by digital regulations to ensure the safety and quality of new technologies. Of the countries that submitted a national statement of commitment and survey response, only 9.5% (or 7 countries) committed explicitly to digital regulations and took action. However, 51.4% of countries took action without making a formal commitment, indicating it is an area of concern for countries. This underscores the growing need that when we adopt new technologies, we must ensure their accuracy and safety for learners.  

Without sufficient education financing, progress stalls. Developing innovative mechanisms is essential for the future of education. Countries are finding innovative ways to finance education, recognizing that expenditures are investments in the future. From 2023 to 2030, the cumulative cost of achieving national SDG 4 targets in low- and lower-middle-income countries amounts to USD 3.7 trillion.

Despite these daunting figures, 86% of countries reported taking concrete steps towards improving domestic financing of education. Domestic resources account for the largest share of education funding (approximately 97%), so sustained domestic financing is of the utmost importance. 

Only three donor countries (France, Germany, and Kuwait) reported taking action on debt relief. Debt relief is paramount as it allows countries to allocate more resources towards education. It helps ensure that schools can operate effectively, and that education quality is not compromised. Without sufficient funding, the quality of education can decline, adversely impacting the future of countless learners.

Providing countries with the financial support they need through debt relief mechanisms is crucial for sustaining and enhancing education standards and ensuring an environment where every learner can access a quality education. Ensuring robust and innovative funding mechanisms is essential for achieving SDG4. 

There is no story of education transformation without teachers. They are the backbone and key agents of education systems. With an estimated global shortage of 44 million teachers, the need for well-trained, motivated, and supported educators is more pressing than ever.

The COVID-19 pandemic sharpened our global focus on teachers’ essential roles, revealing their dedication, and the challenges they face. We must use the lessons learned from the pandemic to mobilize action towards building more resilient education systems. Survey responses indicate that 9 out of 10 countries are undertaking transformative actions in teacher training and professional development. 

However, to make teaching a more attractive and sustainable career, these initiatives must be paired with efforts to enhance teachers’ working conditions and increase professional autonomy. 68% of countries reported efforts to improve teachers’ working conditions and professional autonomy, underscoring the need for further work to uplift and empower the profession. 

To prepare teachers for success, we must provide them with the resources and tools needed to adapt to new teaching content, methods, and technologies. To truly support teachers, we must give them the resources, tools, and respect they deserve. 

Education’s learning methods and content must evolve to prepare learners for the challenges of the 21^st century. Addressing the holistic needs of learners requires updating curricula and teaching methods for the 21^st century. Eight out of ten countries are incorporating education for sustainable development, skills for work, and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) into their teaching and learning processes. This shift is crucial for aligning education with contemporary economic and environmental demands. 

Nearly all countries (95%) reported actions to renew and update curriculum contents to equip learners with the skills required for the 21st century. This transformation requires rethinking education’s purpose and integrating diverse perspectives to foster broad forms of knowledge. 

At the heart of the 2030 Agenda is a simple yet profound commitment: to leave no one behind. It is inspiring that all countries have reported actions toward inclusion, equality, and gender equality. The stories shared in the survey report are inspiring and show a global dedication to ensuring every learner has access to quality education and that education systems take a lifelong perspective. 

The journey towards achieving SDG4 is far from over. The progress and actions highlighted in the survey report show that while obstacles remain, countries are unified in their pursuit to transform education for every learner.