273 Million Children Remain Out of School Globally: UNESCO

News Desk 

Islamabad: The global education system is facing a growing crisis, with 273 million children and young people currently out of school worldwide, according to a new report released by UNESCO.

The 2026 Global Education Monitoring (GEM) Report reveals that the number of out-of-school children has risen for the seventh consecutive year, highlighting a worrying slowdown in global education progress.

According to the findings, one in six school-age children is excluded from education, while only two-thirds manage to complete secondary school. The report points to conflict and rapid population growth as key factors driving this trend, particularly in vulnerable regions.

Sub-Saharan Africa remains the hardest hit, with millions of children still unable to access basic education. In conflict-affected areas, the situation is even more severe, with actual numbers believed to be higher than official estimates.

Despite the alarming rise in exclusion, the report underscores notable long-term gains. Since 2000, global school enrolment has increased significantly, with more than 25 additional children entering classrooms every minute over the past two decades.

Several countries have also made meaningful progress by reducing out-of-school rates and expanding access across primary and secondary education levels.

However, UNESCO warns that progress is now stalling and that a one-size-fits-all solution will not address the crisis. The agency is calling for targeted policies, increased investment, and region-specific strategies to ensure that every child has access to education.

The findings serve as a stark reminder that while progress has been made, the goal of universal education remains far from being achieved.