On the International Day of Education, the European Commission and High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell made the following statement:
“Access to education is a fundamental human right. It is vital for the personal, social and professional development of children and young people. It empowers them to survive, thrive, and rise to meet everyday challenges. It is essential to building peace and democracy, socio-economic cohesion and gender equality, and more just and sustainable societies.
Within and beyond our borders, the European Union remains firmly committed to accelerating progress towards Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) on quality education. Quality education is the smartest and most powerful investment in our shared future.
Yet, collective progress is stalling and attacks against education are increasing worldwide. In many parts of the world, gender-based discrimination and violence and other systematic barriers still keep and force girls, minorities, and displaced and refugee children out of school. […]”