ABOUT THE GOAL

Education liberates the intellect, unlocks the imagination and is fundamental for self-respect. It is the key to prosperity and opens a world of opportunities, making it possible for each of us to contribute to a progressive, healthy society. Learning benefits every human being and should be available to all.

Goal 4

Goal 4: Quality Education

10 Targets

The specific, measurable commitments set under this goal. Each one turns a big ambition into something countries, companies and communities can track.

Our Targets
10

319 Events

Gatherings, campaigns and meetings that bring people together around this goal, from local community days to global summits.

Upcoming events
319

38 Publications

Reports, research and guides that explain the progress made so far and what still needs to change.

Our publications
38

1927 Actions

Everyday steps people around the world have taken for this goal. Small actions add up when millions of people take them together.

Take action
1,927

The targets

4.1
FREE PRIMARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION
By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and effective learning outcomes.
4.2
EQUAL ACCESS TO QUALITY PRE-PRIMARY EDUCATION
By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys have access to quality early childhood development, care and pre-primary education so that they are ready for primary education.
4.3
EQUAL ACCESS TO AFFORDABLE TECHNICAL, VOCATIONAL AND HIGHER EDUCATION
By 2030, ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational and tertiary education, including university.
4.4
INCREASE THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE WITH RELEVANT SKILLS FOR FINANCIAL SUCCESS
By 2030, substantially increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs and entrepreneurship.
4.5
ELIMINATE ALL DISCRIMINATION IN EDUCATION
By 2030, eliminate gender disparities in education and ensure equal access to all levels of education and vocational training for the vulnerable, including persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples and children in vulnerable situations.
4.6
UNIVERSAL LITERACY AND NUMERACY
By 2030, ensure that all youth and a substantial proportion of adults, both men and women, achieve literacy and numeracy.
4.7
EDUCATION FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP
By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including, among others, through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, global citizenship and appreciation of cultural diversity and of culture’s contribution to sustainable development
4.a
BUILD AND UPGRADE INCLUSIVE AND SAFE SCHOOLS
Build and upgrade education facilities that are child, disability and gender sensitive and provide safe, non-violent, inclusive and effective learning environments for all.
4.b
EXPAND HIGHER EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIPS FOR DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
By 2020, substantially expand globally the number of scholarships available to developing countries, in particular least developed countries, small island developing States and African countries, for enrolment in higher education, including vocational training and information and communications technology, technical, engineering and scientific programmes, in developed countries and other developing countries.
4.c
INCREASE THE SUPPLY OF QUALIFIED TEACHERS IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
By 2030, substantially increase the supply of qualified teachers, including through international cooperation for teacher training in developing countries, especially least developed countries and small island developing States.

How can you contribute to this goal


Action 01

Find a Goal 4 charity you want to support

Any donation, big or small, can make a difference!

Photo: Unknown authorUnknown author, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
› Take action01 / 06
Action 02

Donate your used books

The easiest way to give access to knowledge is to donate your used books to someone.

Photo: Stoneville (N.C.) Public Library, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
› Take action02 / 06
Action 03

Promote and take free online courses

In a digital world, there are more opportunities to get access to education than just go to university.

Photo: U.S. Army USArmyEURAF by Pfc. Kaden Pitt, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
› Take action03 / 06
Action 04

Visit your local school and ask what school supplies they need

Start a school supply drive in your community.

Photo: Spc. Aaron J. Herrera, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
› Take action04 / 06
Action 05

Mentor young people

You can provide tutoring and homework assistance, teach a language or deliver a lesson on the Global Goals.

Photo: Berthold Werner, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
› Take action05 / 06
Action 06

Stay informed

Follow your local news and stay in touch with the Global Goals online or on social media at @TheGlobalGoals.

Photo: Stougard, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
› Take action06 / 06

How can you contribute to this goal

0106

Keep scrolling to see each action

01
16

Find a Goal 4 charity you want to support

Any donation, big or small, can make a difference!

Photo: Unknown authorUnknown author, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
02
26

Donate your used books

The easiest way to give access to knowledge is to donate your used books to someone.

Photo: Stoneville (N.C.) Public Library, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
03
36

Promote and take free online courses

In a digital world, there are more opportunities to get access to education than just go to university.

Photo: U.S. Army USArmyEURAF by Pfc. Kaden Pitt, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
04
46

Visit your local school and ask what school supplies they need

Start a school supply drive in your community.

Photo: Spc. Aaron J. Herrera, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
05
56

Mentor young people

You can provide tutoring and homework assistance, teach a language or deliver a lesson on the Global Goals.

Photo: Berthold Werner, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
06
66

Stay informed

Follow your local news and stay in touch with the Global Goals online or on social media at @TheGlobalGoals.

Photo: Stougard, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
News feed

SDG News

The latest stories about Goal 4, Quality Education, from news sources around the world.

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