Improving education is crucial for inclusive and sustainable economic and social development

Education is fundamental to the achievement of inclusive and sustainable economic and social development and more just and cohesive societies. Despite having made considerable strides in terms of education access, progression and completion, the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean face a dual challenge: accelerating progress and reducing gaps in education coverage and completion rates while improving the quality and relevance of education. Gains in access to education and to technical and vocational training have failed to translate into the skills that students need to adapt to lifelong learning and retraining processes and find their place in a changing world pervaded by technology. Prolonged school closures during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic exacerbated these challenges. For education to recover, a profound transformation is required, one that ensures financial sustainability and strengthens the region’s institutional frameworks.