Back to school, back to learning: the UK’s role in transforming education worldwide

As UK students start a new school year, the recently-elected Labour government has a unique opportunity to ensure that children worldwide have the same chance at an education.

Right now, millions of children around the world, especially those in conflict zones and regions vulnerable to climate change, are missing out on learning.

Despite its importance, education is one of the most underfunded essential services worldwide, particularly in emergencies. As recognised in the Labour party’s five missions, education is key to breaking down barriers to opportunity and creating more equal societies. The Send My Friend Coalition urges the new government to extend this recognition to its approach to international development through increased investment, stronger partnerships, and prioritising marginalised groups to access learning opportunities.

Why investing in global education matters now more than ever

Supported by hundreds of thousands of young people across the UK, the Send My Friend Coalition campaigns for education because education is transformative—not only for individual children and their families but for entire communities and countries. It helps break the cycle of poverty, fosters social and economic development, promotes gender equality, and drives progress.

The UK need to ensure that we can adapt to living sustainably and must work globally to cooperate with other countries which is vital for providing children around the world the opportunities to thrive and live life free of poverty – (Ava, 14, Send My Friend to School Campaign Champion)

Education is the foundation for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), yet it remains one of the most neglected and underfunded. Currently, 224 million school-aged children are affected by crises, with 72 million out of school entirely. The UK’s contribution to education funding has dropped to an all-time low, with only 3% of Official Development Assistance (ODA) directed towards this critical sector in 2022.

In today’s rapidly changing and politically fraught global landscape, it is more crucial than ever to support children and young people now, equipping them with the skills, knowledge and confidence they need to face the many challenges ahead. Climate change, global inequality, political instability, more frequent public health crises, and the growing technological divide will continue to threaten children’s futures if they can’t access the information and resources they need to adapt. Education is not just a long-term investment; it is an immediate necessity. If we delay, we risk leaving a generation unprepared to navigate the complexities of the future.

Key actions for the new UK government

Champion education on the global stage

The UK must continue its leadership in global education discussions, particularly in the lead-up to the Summit of the Future, Global Education Meeting and G20 summit, and COP29. Ensuring that education and lifelong learning are central to global development agendas will help advance the broader goals of Agenda 2030.

Value global partnerships with multilaterals

The Global Partnership for Education (GPE) and Education Cannot Wait (ECW) are vital for reaching the most marginalised children. The UK should honour its £430 million pledge to GPE, of which only 17% has been disbursed. It’s crucial that the UK fulfils this commitment and ensures full funding for ECW. These multilateral partnerships are the most efficient and effective way to strengthen education systems, which in turn ensures they are able to reach marginalised groups.

Increase education spending

The drastic reduction in education funding over the past decade has had severe consequences, contributing to the disrupted learning for children globally. The new government should progressively increase the education share of ODA from 3% to 15%, with at least 10% of humanitarian spending dedicated to education in emergencies.

Ensure inclusion of already marginalised learners

The UK must reaffirm its commitment to inclusive education, ensuring that marginalised groups—such as girls, children with disabilities, and refugees—are prioritised. This includes re-endorsing the Call to Action on Disability Inclusive Education and allocating at least 5% of education budgets to this area by 2030.

Listen to and work with young people

The UK should focus on equitable partnerships with local actors, including children and youth-led networks, who are best placed to inform on solutions for change, ensuring their voices shape the future of global education. Meaningful engagement with young people and educators in policy discussions is essential to creating a collaborative approach that empowers the next generation to address the challenges of tomorrow.

Moving forward

As students in the UK resume classes, the newly-elected government should take this moment to reflect on the lessons of the past. History has shown that without full investment and prioritisation of education, we risk losing a generation full of potential and hope.

The UK now has a unique opportunity to reaffirm its commitment to global education and ensure that no child, whether in the UK or beyond, is left behind. By taking bold actions now, the new government can help transform education systems worldwide and contribute to a more equitable and prosperous future for all.

This blog was originally published on the Send My Friend To School website.