GOAL OF THE MONTH \u2013 Goal 4: Quality Education<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n___________\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>Where We Are<\/strong><\/h3>\nEducation plays a pivotal role in reducing inequality, fostering economic growth, and empowering individuals to live fulfilling lives. From early childhood development to lifelong learning, access to quality education is essential for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. The world has made progress in increasing school enrolment rates and improving literacy levels, but significant challenges remain. Meeting SDG 4 requires investments in education infrastructure, enhanced teacher training, and policies that address barriers to equal access, particularly for girls and children with disabilities<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nThe Pact for the Future<\/span><\/b> reinforces commitments to SDG 4 by calling for expanded digital access in education through initiatives like <\/span>Giga<\/span><\/span><\/a>, aiming to connect 100% of schools to the internet. It also promotes digital literacy, teacher training, and targets education funding to bridge learning gaps and ensure equitable, future-ready education systems.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nSDG 4 in Numbers<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- Progress towards Goal 4 has been slow since 2015, with only 58% of students worldwide achieving a minimum proficiency in reading by 2019.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
- To meet national 2030 education targets, countries must annually enroll 1.4 million children in early childhood education, admit a new child to school every 2 seconds until 2030 and triple annual progress in primary completion rates.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
- Globally, girls’ completion rates exceed those of boys by 2 to 3 percentage points in both primary and secondary education.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
- Globally, only half of primary schools and just 62 per cent of secondary schools have basic infrastructure for students with disabilities.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\nÄ¢¹½ÊÓƵ News Feature<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.un.org\/sustainabledevelopment\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Screen-Shot-2025-01-31-at-2.15.22-PM-1024x464.png\")
<\/a><\/p>\nAfrican schools gear up for the AI revolution<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.un.org\/sustainabledevelopment\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/SG-photo-circle.png\")
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\u201cEducation is a fundamental human right, central to the dignity and empowerment of individuals, to driving sustainable development, and to building peace.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>\u201d <\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span>
<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n\u2013 Ant\u00f3nio Guterres, <\/span><\/span><\/em><\/span>Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Secretary-General<\/span><\/p>\n\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>In Focus<\/b><\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>10-14 February | Third Preparatory Committee Session for FFD4<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nThe third Preparatory Committee Session for the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FFD4) will focus on creating a global framework for financing sustainable development in an era of uncertainty. Participants will debate actionable strategies for mobilizing resources, enhancing international financial cooperation, and promoting fiscal sustainability to support developing countries. More information is available <\/span>here<\/a><\/span>.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>Key Events<\/b><\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>5<\/span> February<\/span> | ECOSOC Partnership Forum<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.un.org\/sustainabledevelopment\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/United_Nations_Chetan_Soni-Rev_copy-150x84.jpg\")
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The ECOSOC Partnership Forum provides a platform for Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Member States, the private sector, civil society, and other stakeholders to explore innovative partnerships for advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). <\/span>D<\/span>iscussions<\/span> will <\/span>focus on the theme <\/span><\/span>\u201cAdvancing sustainable, inclusive,<\/span> science<\/span> and evidence-based solutions for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals for leaving no one behind\u201d<\/span><\/span>.<\/span> Further details and <\/span>materials can be found <\/span><\/span>here.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>10-14 February | Commission for Social Development<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.un.org\/sustainabledevelopment\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Commission-for-Social-Development-150x75.jpg\")
<\/span><\/p>\nIn the lead-up to the Second World Summit for Social Development in November this year, the 63rd session of the <\/span>Commission for Social Development<\/a><\/span> will be take place in New York from 10 to 14 February. Key topics of this session include strengthening solidarity, social inclusion and social cohesion to accelerate the delivery of the commitments of the Copenhagen Declaration on Social Development and Programme of Action of the World Summit for Social Development.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>25-27 February | Resumed sessions of the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Biodiversity Conference (COP 16.2)<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.un.org\/sustainabledevelopment\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Carousel_1_Annia-150x150.jpg\")
Taking place at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ (FAO) headquarters in Rome, the <\/span>Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Biodiversity Conference<\/a><\/span> will reconvene to continue discussions on key issues from its Conference held in Cali, Colombia in December 2024. Resumed sessions will address issues on financial mobilization and mechanisms for biodiversity, and reporting and monitoring tools for the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>International Days and Years<\/b><\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>6 February | <\/span><\/b>International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM<\/span><\/b><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.un.org\/sustainabledevelopment\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/end_fgm-2025-300x111.jpg\")
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This day shows the global commitment to eliminate female genital mutilation (FGM), a harmful practice affecting girls and women worldwide. The 2025 theme focuses on \u201cStepping Up the Pace\u201d and calling on everyone to join the movement to end these harmful practices. Learn more about ways to engage and join the call to action <\/span>here<\/a><\/span>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>11 February | <\/span><\/b>International Day of Women and Girls in Science<\/span><\/b><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.un.org\/sustainabledevelopment\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/International-Day-of-Women-and-Girls-in-Science2-300x200.jpg\")
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This day recognizes the critical role of women and girls in science and innovation, highlighting gender equality in STEM fields as essential for achieving the SDGs. This year’s celebration, marking the 10th anniversary of the International Day, will focus on \u201cUnpacking STEM Careers: Her Voice in Science\u201d with a hybrid event at the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵESCO Headquarters in Paris, France. Additional details on the event and participation options can be found <\/span>here<\/a><\/span>.<\/span>\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
Where We Are<\/strong><\/h3>\nEducation plays a pivotal role in reducing inequality, fostering economic growth, and empowering individuals to live fulfilling lives. From early childhood development to lifelong learning, access to quality education is essential for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. The world has made progress in increasing school enrolment rates and improving literacy levels, but significant challenges remain. Meeting SDG 4 requires investments in education infrastructure, enhanced teacher training, and policies that address barriers to equal access, particularly for girls and children with disabilities<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nThe Pact for the Future<\/span><\/b> reinforces commitments to SDG 4 by calling for expanded digital access in education through initiatives like <\/span>Giga<\/span><\/span><\/a>, aiming to connect 100% of schools to the internet. It also promotes digital literacy, teacher training, and targets education funding to bridge learning gaps and ensure equitable, future-ready education systems.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nSDG 4 in Numbers<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- Progress towards Goal 4 has been slow since 2015, with only 58% of students worldwide achieving a minimum proficiency in reading by 2019.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
- To meet national 2030 education targets, countries must annually enroll 1.4 million children in early childhood education, admit a new child to school every 2 seconds until 2030 and triple annual progress in primary completion rates.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
- Globally, girls’ completion rates exceed those of boys by 2 to 3 percentage points in both primary and secondary education.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
- Globally, only half of primary schools and just 62 per cent of secondary schools have basic infrastructure for students with disabilities.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\nÄ¢¹½ÊÓƵ News Feature<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\nAfrican schools gear up for the AI revolution<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/p>\n
\u201cEducation is a fundamental human right, central to the dignity and empowerment of individuals, to driving sustainable development, and to building peace.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>\u201d <\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span>
<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n\u2013 Ant\u00f3nio Guterres, <\/span><\/span><\/em><\/span>Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Secretary-General<\/span><\/p>\n\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>In Focus<\/b><\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>10-14 February | Third Preparatory Committee Session for FFD4<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nThe third Preparatory Committee Session for the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FFD4) will focus on creating a global framework for financing sustainable development in an era of uncertainty. Participants will debate actionable strategies for mobilizing resources, enhancing international financial cooperation, and promoting fiscal sustainability to support developing countries. More information is available <\/span>here<\/a><\/span>.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>Key Events<\/b><\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>5<\/span> February<\/span> | ECOSOC Partnership Forum<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/p>\n
The ECOSOC Partnership Forum provides a platform for Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Member States, the private sector, civil society, and other stakeholders to explore innovative partnerships for advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). <\/span>D<\/span>iscussions<\/span> will <\/span>focus on the theme <\/span><\/span>\u201cAdvancing sustainable, inclusive,<\/span> science<\/span> and evidence-based solutions for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals for leaving no one behind\u201d<\/span><\/span>.<\/span> Further details and <\/span>materials can be found <\/span><\/span>here.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>10-14 February | Commission for Social Development<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/span><\/p>\nIn the lead-up to the Second World Summit for Social Development in November this year, the 63rd session of the <\/span>Commission for Social Development<\/a><\/span> will be take place in New York from 10 to 14 February. Key topics of this session include strengthening solidarity, social inclusion and social cohesion to accelerate the delivery of the commitments of the Copenhagen Declaration on Social Development and Programme of Action of the World Summit for Social Development.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>25-27 February | Resumed sessions of the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Biodiversity Conference (COP 16.2)<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nTaking place at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ (FAO) headquarters in Rome, the <\/span>Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Biodiversity Conference<\/a><\/span> will reconvene to continue discussions on key issues from its Conference held in Cali, Colombia in December 2024. Resumed sessions will address issues on financial mobilization and mechanisms for biodiversity, and reporting and monitoring tools for the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>International Days and Years<\/b><\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>6 February | <\/span><\/b>International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM<\/span><\/b><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/p>\n
This day shows the global commitment to eliminate female genital mutilation (FGM), a harmful practice affecting girls and women worldwide. The 2025 theme focuses on \u201cStepping Up the Pace\u201d and calling on everyone to join the movement to end these harmful practices. Learn more about ways to engage and join the call to action <\/span>here<\/a><\/span>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>11 February | <\/span><\/b>International Day of Women and Girls in Science<\/span><\/b><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/p>\n
This day recognizes the critical role of women and girls in science and innovation, highlighting gender equality in STEM fields as essential for achieving the SDGs. This year’s celebration, marking the 10th anniversary of the International Day, will focus on \u201cUnpacking STEM Careers: Her Voice in Science\u201d with a hybrid event at the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵESCO Headquarters in Paris, France. Additional details on the event and participation options can be found <\/span>here<\/a><\/span>.<\/span>\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
The Pact for the Future<\/span><\/b> reinforces commitments to SDG 4 by calling for expanded digital access in education through initiatives like <\/span>Giga<\/span><\/span><\/a>, aiming to connect 100% of schools to the internet. It also promotes digital literacy, teacher training, and targets education funding to bridge learning gaps and ensure equitable, future-ready education systems.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n SDG 4 in Numbers<\/strong><\/p>\n Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ News Feature<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n African schools gear up for the AI revolution<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div> \u201cEducation is a fundamental human right, central to the dignity and empowerment of individuals, to driving sustainable development, and to building peace.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>\u201d <\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span> \u2013 Ant\u00f3nio Guterres, <\/span><\/span><\/em><\/span>Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Secretary-General<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div> 10-14 February | Third Preparatory Committee Session for FFD4<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The third Preparatory Committee Session for the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FFD4) will focus on creating a global framework for financing sustainable development in an era of uncertainty. Participants will debate actionable strategies for mobilizing resources, enhancing international financial cooperation, and promoting fiscal sustainability to support developing countries. More information is available <\/span>here<\/a><\/span>.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div> 5<\/span> February<\/span> | ECOSOC Partnership Forum<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n The ECOSOC Partnership Forum provides a platform for Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Member States, the private sector, civil society, and other stakeholders to explore innovative partnerships for advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). <\/span>D<\/span>iscussions<\/span> will <\/span>focus on the theme <\/span><\/span>\u201cAdvancing sustainable, inclusive,<\/span> science<\/span> and evidence-based solutions for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals for leaving no one behind\u201d<\/span><\/span>.<\/span> Further details and <\/span>materials can be found <\/span><\/span>here.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div> 10-14 February | Commission for Social Development<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n In the lead-up to the Second World Summit for Social Development in November this year, the 63rd session of the <\/span>Commission for Social Development<\/a><\/span> will be take place in New York from 10 to 14 February. Key topics of this session include strengthening solidarity, social inclusion and social cohesion to accelerate the delivery of the commitments of the Copenhagen Declaration on Social Development and Programme of Action of the World Summit for Social Development.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div> 25-27 February | Resumed sessions of the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Biodiversity Conference (COP 16.2)<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n 6 February | <\/span><\/b>International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM<\/span><\/b><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n This day shows the global commitment to eliminate female genital mutilation (FGM), a harmful practice affecting girls and women worldwide. The 2025 theme focuses on \u201cStepping Up the Pace\u201d and calling on everyone to join the movement to end these harmful practices. Learn more about ways to engage and join the call to action <\/span>here<\/a><\/span>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div> 11 February | <\/span><\/b>International Day of Women and Girls in Science<\/span><\/b><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n This day recognizes the critical role of women and girls in science and innovation, highlighting gender equality in STEM fields as essential for achieving the SDGs. This year’s celebration, marking the 10th anniversary of the International Day, will focus on \u201cUnpacking STEM Careers: Her Voice in Science\u201d with a hybrid event at the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵESCO Headquarters in Paris, France. Additional details on the event and participation options can be found <\/span>here<\/a><\/span>.<\/span>\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p>\n
<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/em><\/p>\nIn Focus<\/b><\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/div>
Key Events<\/b><\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/div>
<\/p>\n<\/span><\/p>\nTaking place at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ (FAO) headquarters in Rome, the <\/span>Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Biodiversity Conference<\/a><\/span> will reconvene to continue discussions on key issues from its Conference held in Cali, Colombia in December 2024. Resumed sessions will address issues on financial mobilization and mechanisms for biodiversity, and reporting and monitoring tools for the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>International Days and Years<\/b><\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/div>
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