Tshwane: Paris: President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on world leaders to move beyond commitments and accelerate the transformation of education systems, emphasizing the urgent need to achieve quality education for all by the 2030 deadline.
According to South African Government News Agency, President Ramaphosa addressed the Transforming Education Summit (TES+4) at the UNESCO Headquarters, highlighting education as a key instrument for economic growth and reducing inequality. He quoted Nelson Mandela, emphasizing education's role in unlocking human potential and empowering individuals to transform communities and nations.
President Ramaphosa cited global examples from Rwanda, China, and India, where investment in education has led to economic transformation. He also noted South Africa's progress, with recent record-high school-leaving certificate pass rates, especially among students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Reflecting on the progress since the 2022 Transforming Education Summit, the President acknowledged ongoing challenges such as fiscal constraints, conflicts, and climate-related disruptions. He stressed the need for honest assessments of global progress and accountability in delivering educational commitments.
The President emphasized the importance of teachers in education reform, advocating for improved working conditions and greater respect for the profession. He also highlighted the need for inclusive and equitable education systems to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 4, warning against reforms that perpetuate existing inequalities.
With the 2030 deadline approaching, President Ramaphosa called for bold, system-wide education transformations, emphasizing the need for coordinated global action, political commitment, innovative financing, and youth participation. He highlighted South Africa's efforts to align global education priorities with the SDG4 agenda during its G20 Presidency, urging young people to view education as a tool for shaping a better future.