Education is not only a fundamental human right that must be protected and promoted, but also a cornerstone of sustainable development.

Every dollar invested in education yields up to $15 in return. Meanwhile, the cost of inaction is staggering. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) estimates that children being out of school and a lack of relevant skills among today’s generation could cost the global economy $10 trillion over the next decade.

Speaking at the Sustainable Development Conference in Sevilla, Spain, where global experts are discussing financing and reforming the international financial architecture, UNESCO emphasized that education must be recognized as a key driver of economic growth.

That’s according to Stefania Giannini, UNESCO’s Assistant Director-General for Education, who spoke with UN News’ Matt Wells in Sevilla about the transformative power of education around the world.

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