Education and equality

Globally Responsible
Careers in STEM

Issues

It is important that education is inclusive and of equitable quality everywhere, not just in STEM subjects but across all subjects, and current projections show that over 200 million children will still be out of school in 2030, and only 60% of students are projected to complete secondary school [1].
Lifelong learning opportunities for all must be promoted, whether furthering studies or completing studies previously unavailable for whatever reasons. All students must be encouraged to participate in STEM education. All learners should acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development. This should include education about sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, global citizenship, appreciation of cultural diversity and of culture’s contribution to sustainable development.

Whilst fewer girls are forced into early marriage and more women are in leadership roles, full gender equality has not been reached, and 45% of women globally do not have decision-making power over their sexual and reproductive health and rights, which is one of many reasons why it is vital to empower all women and girls.
Orderly, safe, regular and responsible migration and mobility of people should be facilitated, including through the implementation of planned and well managed migration policies.
The use of enabling technology must be enhanced, in particular information and communications technology, to promote the empowerment of women, because women and children, who tend to be vulnerable groups in society, will become even more so with the effects of climate change.
Limiting the proliferation and uncontrolled circulation of weapons in communities contributes to safe and non-violent learning environments for all. Disarmament education contributes to education on peace and non-violence, conflict resolution, sustainable development, gender equality, economic justice, human rights and tolerance of cultural diversity.
Young men are overwhelmingly responsible for the misuse of small arms. While men make up most direct casualties, women are more frequently victims of gender-based violence that small arms facilitate. Empowering women and ensuring their equal and meaningful participation in disarmament and arms control decision-making processes can lead to more inclusive, effective and sustainable policy outcomes
Measures for disarmament can reduce military expenditures and redirect public resources/spending towards social and economic initiatives that can contribute to greater equality.

[1] Data taken from United Nations ‘Transforming Our World - The 2030 Agenda For Sustainable Development’
Transforming our World: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development | Department of Economic and Social Affairs (un.org)
21252030 Agenda for Sustainable Development web.pdf (un.org)

Cities and communities