OBESSU reaction to Post-2015 SG Synthesis Report: The Road to Dignity by 2030
This report is, as the catchy title indicates, a synthesis of inputs and consultations which will serve as the basis of discussion for the future work on the Post-2015 Development Agenda. This Agenda is the process led by the United Nations (UN) to define a global framework for sustainable development to succeed the UN Millennium Development Goals after 2015. Since education is one of the very important aspects of the Post-2015 Agenda, this is of high relevance for OBESSU. Indeed, OBESSU has already been involved in the discussions and aspects of this also featured in our recent campaign on the International Students’ Day.
First of all, OBESSU would like to state its satisfaction with the fact that this report marks a shift in focus for education in sustainable development; from primary education to lifelong learning, and with a quality aspect added. The draft goal four of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as proposed by the intergovernmental Open Working Groups (OWGs), is now to “Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all” (p. 18) and this is clearly in line with the values of OBESSU.
Another positive step, further emphasising the lifelong learning approach, is the inclusion of both post-primary education and the inclusion of Vocational Education and Training (VET). The report says: “It is essential that young people receive relevant skills and high-quality education and life-long learning, from early childhood development to post-primary schooling, including life skills and vocational education and training, as well as science, sports and culture” (pp. 21-22). OBESSU believes that VET should be seen as a respectable alternative to academic studies valued with equal merit, as pointed out for example in our 2012-2013 campaign Claim your Voice, and the fact that VET has found its way also into the Post-2015 Agenda discussions is a good sign.
The report further points out that “All children and adolescents have a right to education and must have a safe environment in which to learn” (p. 21). This is also good news; a safe learning environment is of utmost importance for the learning to be fruitful. However, OBESSU would like to add that the environment must not only be safe but also inclusive. Non-discriminatory and inclusive educational systems are key for all people to have equal access to the fruits of sustainable development, and this should also be clearly pointed out in future stages of the Agenda.
Finally, OBESSU would like to see a firm commitment to incorporate the interests of learners and youth also in the implementation process. Permanent accountability mechanisms should be introduced to enable legitimate representatives of learners to hold governments and international institutions to account, ensuring that the education goal is implemented in a way that respects the learners’ rights.
It should be pointed out that this report will serve as a first draft only; the final result is likely to include several changes. OBESSU now calls on all governments, international institutions and other stakeholders to make sure that the demands pointed out above will stay in the discussions during 2015 and beyond – taking us closer to a world where access to lifelong education is guaranteed for everyone.
For more information, please contact board@obessu.org. Download the OBESSU crib-sheet on the Post-2015 Agenda here. Download this reaction as PDF here.
