The development of education plays a pivotal role in raising public awareness about global environmental problems and motivating the new generation. Education is intrinsically linked to improving population health, quality of life, and overall safety. In today’s world, understanding the connections between population changes, educational progress, and sustainable development is crucial. There is a need to explore how these factors influence each other, shaping the socio-economic landscape of countries.
Examining the relationship between population dynamics, educational progress, and sustainable development reveals advancements facilitated by contemporary technologies and highlights growth in global school enrolment, with significant increases in primary and secondary education over recent decades. Despite these developments, significant disparities remain, especially in sub-Saharan Africa and among marginalized groups such as people with disabilities, migrants, and rural communities. For instance, while global primary education completion rates reached 87%, only 63% of children in sub-Saharan Africa complete primary education.
The COVID-19 pandemic has further underscored the importance of lifelong learning and reskilling workers to adapt to rapid technological changes and evolving job markets. Addressing challenges in digital inclusion, particularly the significant differences in Internet access between developed and developing countries, is essential. Expanding access to quality education and digital resources is key to improving productivity, income growth, and overall societal well-being.
The Cairo Programme of Action and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) emphasize the importance of education as a catalyst for sustainable development and economic prosperity. Education fosters sustainable practices, reduces poverty, and empowers individuals. Higher levels of education are associated with lower fertility and mortality rates, and countries with increasing working-age populations can benefit from a demographic dividend, potentially boosting economic growth.
However, to fully realize these benefits, continued efforts are necessary to enhance educational access and quality, address educational inequalities, and leverage education as a driver for sustainable development. Moreover, incorporating the SDGs into educational curricula can promote awareness and action among youth on pressing global issues such as climate change, inequality, and responsible consumption.
78 Years Engaging Global Citizens