Statement at the Launch of Financing Global Education Opportunity Report

Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

Throughout the world today, 263 million children and young people are out of school.

The number of children out of primary school is increasing.

Of the 1.3 billion children and young people living in low- and middle-income countries, nearly 900 million are not on track to get a secondary education.

These children and young people deserve an education.

They deserve the opportunity to build a better future – an opportunity that only quality education can give them.

The time to act - and invest in education – is therefore now.

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The major trends set to shape the world in the coming decades will increase the value of skills gained through education.

And worsen the prospects for those without an education.

Technology and shifting demographics will reshape demand for higher-level skills.

It is projected that by 2050, half of today's jobs will be lost to automation.

The new jobs will require more advanced skills.

If we do not equip all young people with the skills they need to fully participate in the future economy, the costs of our inaction could be irreparable.

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The panellists I am about to introduce will talk about how we can avoid such scenarios.

They will present their thoughts on how we can create a learning generation.

Because by investing in education now, we are creating a smarter and more prosperous tomorrow.