United Nations Secretary-General calls on governments to invest in education and act to end the global teacher shortage

United Nations Secretary-General Urges Investment in Education

António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, emphasized education as the foundation for social progress and called on governments and the international community to invest in education and follow the UN High-Level Panel on the Teaching Profession's recommendations to resolve the global teacher shortage.

Challenges Highlighted at the World Summit for Social Development

Speaking at a high-level side event during the Second World Summit for Social Development, Guterres highlighted that despite some progress, 272 million children and youth remain out of school worldwide. He also warned of a severe shortage of 44 million teachers.

“Education can be an engine of transformation for societies and economies. But only if we can repair the cracks in this vital foundation, and strengthen education systems for the future.”

Key Areas Requiring Immediate Action

Urgency of Supporting the Teaching Profession

The Secretary-General stressed the urgent need to tackle the global teacher shortage and strongly support the teaching profession. He pointed to the 59 recommendations by the UN High-Level Panel on the Teaching Profession as a critical blueprint for necessary reforms and actions.

Author's Summary

António Guterres calls for urgent global investment in education, focusing on addressing teacher shortages and improving access and quality to build stronger education systems worldwide.

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Education International Education International — 2025-11-06

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