Goal 4: Education for All

How can a new qualification open doors for refugees and displaced young people, whose education has been disrupted by conflict, displacement, and crisis?I spoke with Jane Mann, Managing Director for the Partnership for Education at Cambridge University Press and Assessment, and Education Director for International Education at Cambridge, about the new partnership between Cambridge and Alsama Project to develop and scale the G12++ qualification - a recognised pathway designed to help displaced learners access university, vocational training, and employment. Jane discusses why traditional education pathways can leave talented young people behind, how the G12++ seeks to recognise capability and potential rather than simply test curriculum knowledge, and the challenge of creating a rigorous global qualification that remains relevant to learners from diverse backgrounds.If this exciting project is of interest, please email: g12@alsamaproject.comLink to Cambridge Partnership for EducationNews link for the Cambridge/Alsama partnershipLink to Alsama Project

Globally, an estimated 139 million boys are out of school.Addressing boys’ disengagement is critical not only for their future well-being but also for achieving gender equality and inclusive societies. Research shows that boys who complete secondary education are more likely to challenge gender-based violence, participate in caregiving, and contribute to shared domestic responsibilities. Conversely, boys who leave school early face heightened risks of unemployment, poor health, and involvement in criminal activity.The Lifting barriers: Educating boys for gender equality project, led by UNESCO in collaboration with Equimundo and the University of East Anglia, directly addresses boys' disengagement from education. It works to promote inclusive, positive masculinities and create education systems that are safer, more equitable, and more responsive to all learners’ needs. This work was supported by the Global Partnership for Education Knowledge and Innovation Exchange (GPE KIX), a joint endeavor with the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), Canada.Read more here:Lifting barriers: Educating boys for gender equalityLifting barriers: boys’ disengagement from education, volume 2: Cambodia case study - UNESCO Digital LibraryLeave no child behind: global report on boys’ disengagement from education - UNESCO Digital Library

The woodsman, bushcraft instructor, author, and TV presenter joins me to discuss education's place in the 21st century.Find out more about inclusive education here: UNESCO Inclusive Education WebsiteFind out more about Ray Mears here: About Ray Mears

“We are picked up, put down, and strapped into a never-ending conveyor belt of academic testing”The history student and former Member of Youth Parliament (2022–2024) joins me to discuss the systemic issues at the heart of the UK’s education system.Thank you to UNESCO for their ongoing support of this podcast. Find out more about inclusive education here: unesco.org/en/inclusion-education

The Executive Vice President and head of Corporate Social Responsibility of CJ CheilJedang in Korea joins me to discuss the powerful role that inclusive and engaging education plays in our schools, workplaces, and societies.With thanks to UNESCO for their support. Read more here: https://www.unesco.org/en/inclusion-education

It's time for a view from the private sector - a key beneficiary of more inclusive, engaging, and relevant education. Vessie Naskinova joins me from Deloitte to discuss the company's innovative Green Skills and Workforce Transformation report and to speak about how the private sector can stand to benefit from a workforce trained to be creative, resilient, and collaborative.With thanks to UNESCO for their support. Read more here: https://www.unesco.org/en/inclusion-education

The President of Global Campaign for Education and member of the SDG4 High-Level Steering Committee joins me from Gaza to discuss the power that inclusive and equitable education has in creating a kinder and a more peaceful world.With thanks to UNESCO for their support. Read more here: https://www.unesco.org/en/inclusion-education

Disclaimer: The views of podcast guests are their own and do not necessarily represent those of UNESCO.The UNESCO specialists join me to kick off a new series with a discussion of the role that inclusive education plays in all our lives. What is the purpose of education in the modern world? How can inclusive, engaging education help to unlock progress across the Sustainable Development Goals? And what can we do to make schools places of excitement and inspiration? Find out here!More information here: unesco.org/inclusion-education