International Day of Education: Tracking global progress with open data
Strengthening global efforts to achieve inclusive and equitable learning for all
Every year on 24 January, the International Day of Education reminds the world of education’s central role in global development. Since its proclamation by the United Nations General Assembly in 2018, the day has highlighted how access to quality education supports peace, reduces inequalities and drives progress for communities everywhere.
The right to education was already recognised in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which calls for free and compulsory primary education for all children. This principle was strengthened in 1989 through the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which states that higher education should be available and accessible to every young person. When the United Nations introduced the 2030 agenda for Sustainable Development, education became central to achieving all 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with SDG 4 explicitly focusing on inclusive and equitable quality education.
Open datasets available via The European Data Portal provide valuable insights into barriers faced by learners around the world. Data on for example gender gaps in schooling, youth unemployment, refugee education, and rural‑urban disparities can help highlight where educational inequalities persist. By visualising and analysing these trends, decision‑makers gain a clearer understanding of which communities require additional support and how to design interventions that expand access to learning.
Are you interested in exploring how data can support better education systems? Visit The European Data Portal to discover open datasets on literacy, school infrastructure, digital skills, public spending and more.
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