President Ramaphosa Urges Global Action to Transform Education Systems Ahead of 2030 Goals

Paris, The Gulf Observer: South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on world leaders to move beyond commitments and take urgent action to transform global education systems, warning that the international community has reached a critical stage in achieving inclusive and quality education for all before the 2030 deadline.

Addressing the Transforming Education Summit at UNESCO headquarters in Paris, President Ramaphosa stressed that education is a fundamental driver of sustainable development, economic growth, social inclusion, and global prosperity. He urged governments and international partners to accelerate reforms that ensure every child has access to quality learning opportunities.

The South African leader emphasized that the world must translate commitments into concrete action by investing in resilient, inclusive, and future-ready education systems. He noted that millions of children remain excluded from quality education, while many more are unable to acquire the skills needed to thrive in an increasingly digital and knowledge-based economy.

Ramaphosa called for stronger global partnerships and increased investment in education, describing it as one of the most effective means of reducing inequality, promoting innovation, and fostering long-term economic resilience. He also highlighted the importance of equipping young people with the knowledge and skills required to address emerging global challenges, including climate change and technological transformation.

The president reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to advancing Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4), which seeks to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. He urged the international community to work collectively to close learning gaps and build education systems capable of delivering opportunities for future generations.