The Education and Academia Stakeholder Group (EASG) has launched its new Sectoral Paper for the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) 2026, presenting key recommendations and policy perspectives on the role of education in advancing sustainable development.
The paper brings together contributions and experiences from organisations, coalitions, researchers, educators, and civil society actors across regions. It highlights the urgent need to reposition education as a central driver of the entire 2030 Agenda and future sustainability frameworks beyond 2030.
The publication explores the intersections between SDG 4 and the HLPF 2026 focus goals, particularly in relation to clean water and sanitation (SDG 6), affordable and clean energy (SDG 7), industry and innovation (SDG 9), sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11), and partnerships for the goals (SDG 17).
The paper calls for:
- stronger public investment in education,
- integrated and cross-sector approaches to sustainable development,
- meaningful participation of students, teachers, researchers, and civil society in education governance,
- climate-resilient and inclusive education systems,
- ethical and rights-based digital transformation,
- and renewed global cooperation around SDG 4.
It also highlights examples and experiences from different countries and regions, demonstrating how education systems, communities, and partnerships are contributing to sustainable development in practice.
The publication will contribute to EASG’s advocacy and engagement throughout the High-Level Political Forum 2026 and ongoing discussions on the future of education and the post-2030 agenda.
The full paper is available below.
