800 million students will be unemployed by 2030: Here's why

The UN special envoy for education warned that years of neglect have left 260 million children out of school and another 400 million functionally illiterate across the world.

800 million students will be unemployed by 2030: Here's why

Unemployment has hit the news big time in recent times across the world. With India facing unemployment on a large scale, a United Nations' special envoy for education, Gordon Brown recently released a report which states that more than 800 million young people graduating from schools by 2030 will not have the appropriate skills to land a job.

Further, Gordon Brown in a recent press conference said that number represents half the world's 1.6 billion children.

Lack of skilled workers:

• Also, Brown says that there has been a neglect of over 260 million children who are out of school and an additional 400 million who are functionally illiterate

• If a situation like this continues, then the future seems bleak with a lack of skilled workers

• While stating the UN goals for education, Brown said the aim to ensure quality education for every child will not be met by 2030, 2050 or even 2100 if action is not taken

In addition to this, he also laid down a proposal for an International Finance Facility for Education.

About International Finance Facility for Education:

• This financial proposal would help achieve the UN goal by generating about USD 10 billion annually through investments

• Further, this initiative would raise the standard of education for students in developing countries such as India

• Also, this facility is aimed at increasing the current national average of 4 per cent of the national income in education funds to 5.8 per cent

Here's what Gordon Brown said:

"We're effectively trying to double the education aid. Millions of children will remain on the streets rather than in school if the funding is not found," said Brown, informing that the aid currently stands at USD 12 billion annually.

Further, commenting on the present scenario, he said, a majority of girls and children in conflict zones will lose out on education.

Also, he backed the 'Protecting Children in Conflict' inquiry which has been sponsored by Save the Children and Their world.

While concluding the statement, Brown said, "We want to find out, for example, whether there's a case for an international criminal court for children's cases."

- With inputs from PTI

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