Education and human capital
Every child has the right to learn
Around the world, millions more children go to school than in decades before; but not every child is learning. And not every young person is prepared with the skills they need to secure their futures.
Globally, over 600 million children struggle with basic reading and arithmetic. Lack of trained teachers, inadequate teaching materials and poor infrastructure prevent learning. These deprivations are compounded when students are hungry, forced from their homes or arrive for their lessons tired from work or household chores.
Education and skills training are powerful drivers of economic growth. But many children and young people do not receive the training they need to join the workforce, become entrepreneurs and contribute to their families, communities and the world.
UNICEF Innocenti – Global Office of Research and Foresight uses data, evidence and foresight to identify solutions that can prepare children and young people to make the most of their futures. Through research and foresight analysis we ask: What can be done to make learning and skills training more equitable for children and young people? What are the pathways for children and young people that are resilient and responsive to global trends, such as the transition to a green and digital economy?
Our research focusses on three areas: i) what works at school level; ii) what works at policy level; and iii) how to scale up solutions. As we provide data and evidence and interpret emerging shifts, our goal is always to protect every child’s right to learn and make the most of their futures.
