Amid mounting global crises, we are alarmed to see that the world is turning away from one of the greatest proven investments for peace, prosperity and equality: education.

While notable progress has been made in access to and completion of education globally, that progress is quickly eroding. Today, more than 273 million children and youth are out of school. This number has risen for the seventh consecutive year. There are also 234 million crisis-affected children and adolescents urgently in need of educational support.

At a time of growing global instability and deepening inequality, investment in education is not only a matter of justice and fairness, but also of long-term global peace, security and economic prosperity. Without bold investment now, decades of progress will be lost, and inequalities and instability will persist for generations.

This letter is endorsed by over 190 organisations and coalitions, representing over 16,000 local, national, and global organisations united in this call to action.

Download the full letter with the list of signatories.