Statement by Minister Sajjan on International Day of Education

January 24, 2023 – Ottawa, Canada – Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada, today issued the following statement:

“This year’s theme for the International Day of Education is ‘To Invest in People, Prioritize Education.’ Investments in quality education help people to reach their potential and build more prosperous, peaceful and inclusive communities.

“As a global leader in education, Canada invests in education at home and abroad because we know the power of education and lifelong learning to help people discover their gifts and prepare for the future.

“Yet for hundreds of millions around the world, quality education remains far from reach—especially for women and girls. The impacts of conflicts, climate change and COVID-19 have deepened a serious global learning crisis. Today, over 240 million young people cannot access education and over 770 million children lack basic literacy skills.

“Canada is committed to providing access to safe, equitable and quality education for all, in line with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4. Canada’s international assistance focuses on gender equality and inclusion, ensuring that refugee, displaced and host community children and youth—especially girls—are not left behind.

“In 2022, at venues that included Canada’s Together for Learning Summit and the United Nations Transforming Education Summit, we continued to amplify the voices of youth with lived experiences as refugees and displaced persons. It was a privilege for me to help champion the Youth Manifesto at both summits and to engage with young people, including members of Canada’s Refugee Education Council, as problem solvers and decision makers.

“Canada’s commitment to education helps provide life-changing opportunities for learners around the globe. Working with youth, national governments, global partners and local communities, we will continue to build more resilient and inclusive educational systems.”