Future of work

Almost 1.6 billion learners in more than 190 countries have been disrupted by COVID-19. Opportunities to learn for those living in poor or rural areas, women, persons with disabilities, refugees, and forcibly displaced persons have been reduced. Another 23.8 million youth may drop out or not have access to school next year. Closures of educational institutions have also limited access to food, affected the ability of parents to work, and contributed to increased violence against women and girls. These impacts only add to an already fiscally strained system in which many educational programs were facing funding challenges before COVID-19, further threatening access not only to education but also to essential services. To mitigate the negative consequences of COVID-19, the UN recommends four policy responses that governments and stakeholders should consider: 1) suppress transmission of the virus and plan thoroughly for school re-openings; 2) protect education financing and coordinate for impact; 3) build resilient education systems for equitable and sustainable development; and 4) reimagine education and accelerate change in teaching and learning.