According to a new report from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), international aid for education is projected to decline by 30% between 2023 and 2027. The report, titled 'Global Education Monitoring Report 2026,' warns that this reduction could severely impact progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 4, which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education for all.
UNESCO's analysis indicates that total aid to education fell from $16.6 billion in 2022 to an estimated $12.2 billion in 2025, with further declines expected. The organization attributes this trend to shifting donor priorities, including increased spending on climate change, health crises, and security issues. The report emphasizes that low-income countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, will be most affected.
UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay stated, 'Education is the foundation of sustainable development, yet it is being systematically underfunded. We call on donor countries to reverse this trend and honor their commitments.' The report also highlights that domestic education budgets in many developing nations are under strain, exacerbating the funding gap.
The projected decline comes as the world faces a global learning crisis, with an estimated 244 million children and youth out of school in 2025, according to UNESCO data. The organization warns that without urgent action, the 2030 education targets will be missed, widening inequalities and hindering economic growth.
