A strong system of learning equips young people with the knowledge and practical skills they will need to navigate an increasingly complex world. Beyond literacy and numeracy, formal education cultivates critical thinking, problem-solving, and the ability to learn new technologies—capabilities that support workforce adaptability, innovation, and sustainable economic growth. By providing structured opportunities to explore science, the arts, and civic topics, schools and other learning environments help individuals make informed choices about careers, health, and participation in public life.
Widespread access to quality education also produces collective benefits that extend across society. It contributes to social mobility and reduces disparities by opening pathways to stable employment and informed decision-making; it strengthens civic institutions by fostering literacy, tolerance, and civic competence; and it supports long-term resilience by encouraging lifelong learning and the ability to respond to challenges such as technological change and environmental pressures. Ensuring that educational systems are inclusive and well-resourced is therefore central to preparing those who will inherit and shape the future.