Goal 4: Quality Education

Ensure inclusive and equitable education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all

Education provides people with the knowledge and skills to increase employment prospects, reduce poverty and improve health and wellbeing.

While 91% of children in developing countries are enrolled in primary school, 57 million children are missing out, of whom more than half are from sub-Saharan Africa. Of the 103 million young people who don’t have basic literacy skills, more than half are women. Education access and quality is particularly disrupted for people living in poverty or remote areas, and those living in refugee camps or in countries with political and financial instability

Goal 4 is closely tied to gender equality, as millions of girls and women across the world are either denied or only given a limited education.  Being unable to access educational opportunities can significantly impact on women and girls’ ability to earn an income and provide for their families. A lack of education can also result in reduced health and wellbeing, increased social isolation and the ability to take part in decision-making processes.

There are many ambitious targets to be met by 2030, including: all girls and boys to complete free, quality primary and secondary school education; all people to have access to quality and affordable technical, vocational and tertiary education, and the elimination of gender discrimination so that girls and women have equal opportunities to access education.

This Goal also calls for the building and maintaining of educational infrastructure that is disability-friendly, increasing training for teachers and expanding the number of scholarships available to people from developing countries.

How is Monash revolutionising education for all?

See Monash University’s summary of activities for this goal across research, education, engagement and operations.

Australia’s progress towards Goal 4

The Transforming Australia: SDG Progress Report provides key information about how Australia is progressing towards achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Visit the Transforming Australia website to see Australia’s progress towards Goal 4.

Do you want to know how to achieve the SDGs?

MSDI has partnered with McMaster University to create the world’s most comprehensive repository of research evidence. Click here for the latest evidence and research from around the world aligned with Goal 4.