Every child deserves a chance to survive, a chance to learn, a chance to dream. Yet, according to UNICEF’s 2016 State of the World’s Children Report, persisting inequity denies millions of children around the world their chance at a better future, creating a vicious cycle of disadvantage.

According to the report, if current trends continue, in 2030:

• 167 million children will be living in extreme poverty
• 69 million children under 5 will have died of preventable causes since 2015
• 60 million children will be out of school.

Despite important progress since 2000, expanding access to education has stalled, and 124 million children and youth remain out of school. Furthermore, according to a recent ODI report, 75 million children living in crisis and conflict are in need of educational support.

As UNICEF reports,

“Data from around the world show that children’s chances of getting a quality education are lower if they come from poor families; if they live in remote rural areas; if they are girls; if they have a disability; if they belong to an ethnic or racial group that faces discrimination in their society; or if they live in an area affected by crisis. Where these factors overlap they often reinforce deprivations.”

To break this cycle and deliver on the vision of quality education for all children, developing country governments and their partners must adopt policies, programs and public spending priorities that target the most marginalized children.

Increased equity is a strategic goal of GPE 2020—our 5-year plan which commits to improve learning and equity through stronger education systems: