Finland stresses importance of finding solutions to global education crisis at UN High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development

The UN High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) will meet in New York between 5 and 15 July.

The meeting will reflect on how the negative impacts of the pandemic have affected the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and how recovery policies can build a sustainable future.
 
In the meeting, Finland will place particular emphasis on resolving the deepened crisis in education. As a result of the coronavirus pandemic, educational goals have regressed globally, and the time of crisis have increased inequalities, prevented many children and young people from being able to attend school and learn. Altogether 259 million children did not attend school even before the outbreak of the pandemic. 
 
Minister of Education Li Andersson, head of the Finnish delegation at the meeting, stresses that we must resolve the global education crisis so that we can safeguard educational rights and the competences required for a sustainable future for all, and act to improve the position of especially the most vulnerable children and young people.
 
“Education is a core element of the Sustainable Development Goals. Turning words into action is one of the key perspectives when discussing the global challenges when developing education. We genuinely need extensive investments in the quality and accessibility of education. By identifying concrete solutions, such as providing school meals, more children and young people will be able to participate in education. Education is not just a short-term expenditure item. Education is an investment in the future,” says Minister Andersson.

In the meeting, Finland will also emphasise the importance of promoting gender equality. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated social inequality. Without concerted effort to promote gender equality, we cannot achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
 
Achieving the SDGs also has an impact on global health and protection against future pandemics. Finland is committed to ensuring equitable access to vaccines and engages in global efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. Finland promotes the participation of women and girls in developing health systems and primary health care as well as access to technological innovations.

At the meeting, Andersson will speak at the Townhall event on 5 July. In addition, Andersson will participate in 2030 Agenda thematic discussions on the SDG on education and in the side event organised by the European Commission. Finland will also organise a side event together with UNESCO and Bridge 47 to discuss SDG 4.7 (education promoting sustainable development) in the 2030 Agenda.

Inquiries:
Anna Lemström, Special Adviser to the Minister of Education, tel.  +358 295 330353
Kati Anttalainen, Senior Specialist, tel. +358 40 735 2889, Ministry of Education and Culture
Mikael Långström, Deputy Director, Agenda 2030, +358 295 351 371, Ministry for Foreign Affairs
Sami Pirkkala, Chief Specialist, Secretary General of the Finnish National Commission on Sustainable Development, tel. +358 50 598 0724, Prime Minister’s Office
Annika Lindblom, Senior Ministerial Adviser for International Affairs, tel. +358 50 328 3860, Ministry of the Environment

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