UNESCO Report Tracks 25 Years of Progress—and Persistent Gaps—in Education Access

UNESCO’s 2026 Global Education Monitoring Report reviews a quarter-century of change in access to education, identifying countries that advanced participation faster than peers and those where progress remained limited.

The report examines pre-primary, primary, secondary and post-secondary participation, with particular attention to disparities linked to sex, location, wealth and disability. Country case studies are used to test whether national statistics reflect the experience of learners on the ground.

Its central message is that access and equity must be assessed together. Rising enrolment alone cannot demonstrate success if disadvantaged learners remain excluded, complete school at lower rates or receive education of substantially different quality.

Source: UNESCO Global Education Monitoring Report.