Even though education is a human right and is now seen by most people as a global common good, providing inclusive, quality education to all remains an immense task. Among other things, it involves improving access to existing institutions on all levels, especially for women; revamping how information and knowledge are regarded; and creating conditions that promote insight, trust and respect.

Education is dependent on a solid foundation of literacy and numeracy skills as well as sets of other cognitive and emotional skills. SDG4 calls for a modern pedagogical framework that includes, among other things, global citizenship education, sustainability science and values education. Education for the twentyfirst century needs to consist of established and newly created knowledge leading to relevant competencies and relying on teachers who can motivate, facilitate and guide learners on the path from wonder to wisdom.

Steps have been taken – some large, some small – and this section reviews important components, vital measures and essential partnerships that are contributing to progress towards accomplishing the concrete goals of SDG4 as well as to improve the general content and delivery of education.