Global Education Meeting 2024: A Pivotal Moment for Inclusive and Equitable Education
From October 31 to November 1, 2024, Fortaleza, Brazil, hosted the highly anticipated Global Education Meeting (GEM), convened by UNESCO and the SDG4 High-Level Steering Committee. This landmark event brought together education leaders, policymakers, practitioners, and advocates from around the world to accelerate progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG4) — ensuring inclusive, equitable, and quality education for all.
The Fortaleza Declaration: A Global Commitment to Inclusive Education
At the heart of the meeting was the adoption of the Fortaleza Declaration, an ambitious roadmap crafted through ten intensive discussions and broad consultations with diverse regions and constituency groups. This declaration underscores a shared global commitment to transforming education systems to be more inclusive, accessible, and responsive to the needs of all learners.
The Fortaleza Declaration sets out critical priorities to close education gaps and promote lifelong learning opportunities, reaffirming education as a fundamental human right and a driver of sustainable development.
Spotlight on Groundbreaking Reports
The GEM also served as a platform for the launch and dissemination of several influential reports shaping the global education agenda:
2024/5 Global Education Monitoring Report on Leadership and Education: Highlighting the crucial role of visionary leadership in transforming education systems.
The Future at Risk: Why Investing in Education is Critical: Emphasizing the urgent need for increased and equitable investment in education worldwide.
Transforming Education Towards SDG 4: Report of a Global Survey on Country Actions: Providing insights into national progress and challenges in aligning education policies with the SDG4 targets.
2024 Education Finance Watch: Offering a comprehensive overview of education financing trends, gaps, and priorities.
These reports contribute valuable data and policy recommendations, serving as essential guides for governments and stakeholders striving to fulfill global education commitments.
IAU Advocacy at the Forefront
The IAU was represented at the GEM by Secretary General Hilligje van’t Land, who participated in a high-level panel discussion on “Equitable Access, Quality and Mobility in Higher Education.”
Sharing the stage with influential education ministers and leaders—including Nobuhle Khabane (South Africa), Naima Ariatne Trujillo Barreto (Cuba), Buthaina Bint Ali Al Jabr Al Nuaimi (Qatar), Pierre Gomez (Gambia), Chen Jie (China), and Denise Pires de Carvalho (Brazil)—the panel tackled pressing issues in higher education:
Expanding equitable access and inclusion,
Enhancing the quality and relevance of higher education,
Innovating financing mechanisms,
Promoting internationalization and academic mobility,
Increasing flexibility through digital transformation and new learning modalities.
This dialogue highlighted the critical role of higher education as a catalyst for social and economic development and underscored the need for accelerated, collaborative action to overcome persistent barriers.
Towards Accelerated Action and Global Solidarity
The 2024 Global Education Meeting was more than a conference—it was a moment of reaffirmed solidarity and urgent resolve among the global education community. The Fortaleza Declaration and the accompanying reports offer a clear path forward to realize the transformative vision of SDG4.
As the world advances towards 2030, such collaborative forums and shared commitments will be essential to “leave no one behind” and ensure that education continues to be a force for equity, opportunity, and sustainable development.
