International Day of Families Statement by Education Cannot Wait Executive Director Yasmine Sherif
NEW YORK, May 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- There is no force more powerful than family. Family binds us together in times of trouble. Family unites generations and connects cultures. Family is a key driver for a world in peace, economic security and growth in all areas of life. Both at micro- and macro-level.
As we look forward to the Second World Summit for Social Development on this year's International Day of Families, we must recognize the power of education to activate and empower families as agents of change.
With quality education, families foster and inspire human capital of resourceful peacemakers and creative individuals who can drive positive social and economic development. With quality education, an entire generation of girls can grow up to be equal leaders within their communities, within their economies and within their homes.
As we note from the initial draft of the Political Declaration for the Second World Summit for Social Development, education is a key force in our collective commitment to "foster inclusive, equitable and cohesive societies grounded in human dignity, solidarity, tolerance and full participation for all." This commitment – grounded in international law, such as the UN Charter – plays a significant role in quality education. It is through the family that children and adolescents develop the skills and the potential to overcome contemporary challenges, to be a positive contributor to society and to make a mark on the world.
As a bedrock for strong families – and even stronger societies – education must be made available to all. A family without access to quality education will not be empowered to rise up from extreme poverty, end child marriages and other barriers to education, or even have the strength to contribute to their own survival, let alone that of the rest of the world.
Unfortunately, we are falling behind on our commitments – especially on the frontlines of the world's most severe humanitarian crises where conflicts, forced displacement and climate change are pulling families apart and undermining global efforts to deliver on the promises of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Pact for the Future.
Today, low and lower-middle-income countries face a nearly US$100 billion annual financing gap to reach their education targets. Without additional measures by 2030, 94 million children and adolescents will be out of school, 300 million students will lack basic numeracy and literacy skills, and only 1 in 6 countries will achieve goals for universal secondary education, according to the United Nations. Now, add upon this the magnitude of mental health impact, violence, negative role models and a stark sense of disempowerment for every child lacking a family and quality education.