UNESCO: Global Out-of-School Population Rises to 273 Million

UNESCO: Global Out-of-School Population Rises to 273 Million

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has revealed that the number of children and young people out of school worldwide has risen to 273 million, according to its 2026 Global Education Monitoring (GEM) report.

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The report shows that the figure has increased for the seventh consecutive year, with approximately one in every six school-age children currently excluded from education globally.

UNESCO also noted that only two out of every three learners complete secondary school, highlighting persistent gaps in access and retention within education systems.

According to the report, progress in keeping children in school has slowed across most regions since 2015, with conflict and rapid population growth identified as major contributing factors. Sub-Saharan Africa was identified as one of the most affected regions.

The situation is particularly severe in conflict-affected areas, where millions of children remain out of school, often beyond official estimates due to instability and displacement.

Despite these challenges, UNESCO acknowledged significant gains over the past two decades. Global school enrolment has increased considerably, with more than 25 additional children entering school every minute since 2000.

The organisation also highlighted that several countries have made notable progress in reducing out-of-school rates and expanding access to education at different levels.

However, UNESCO cautioned that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to the crisis, calling for tailored policies, sustained investment, and stronger global commitment to ensure that every child has access to quality education.

UNESCO: Global Out-of-School Population Rises to 273 Million