A Global Compact on Learning: Taking Action on Education in Developing Countries

Children and youth all around the world are facing a serious learning crisis. Beyond the 67 million children who are not attending primary school in low-income countries, there are countless children who are going through five years of education without learning basic reading, writing and math skills. While there has been remarkable progress in getting more children into school during the past decade, much remains to be done to ensure that all children and youth can attain a quality education. Evidence shows that targeted attention to three priorities – early childhood development, literacy and numeracy in lower primary school and relevant learning for youth in post-primary school – could jumpstart global education development so that all children are prepared to lead safe, healthy and productive lives.

On June 15, the Center for Universal Education at Brookings presented its new report, “A Global Compact on Learning: Taking Action on Education in the Developing Countries,” which calls for a renewal of global cooperation on education in low-income countries. Jenny Perlman Robinson, lead author of the report, was joined by a panel of experts from the multilateral, private and nongovernment sectors to discuss the new global education agenda and the urgent need for international cooperation and action in tackling the global learning crisis.

After the program, the panelists took audience questions.