This policy-oriented research paper investigates some of the aspects of the right to education that might require a stronger footing in the international normative framework and potential expansion for the 21st century. Digital education, increasing human mobility, changing demographics, climate change, and expectations of opportunities for learning throughout life are just a few of the areas that are testing the limits of the existing international normative framework. The culmination of a round of open consultation processes, as well as international seminars and events, and research, this paper presents some of the emerging trends, challenges, and norms that have been discussed.
The Fortaleza Declaration was adopted during the 2024 Global Education Meeting (GEM), held in Fortaleza, Brazil on October, the 31. and November, 1. of 2024. It was organized by UNESCO and hosted by the Government of Brazil.
FRANÇAIS ESPAÑOL
La Declaración de Fortaleza fue adoptada durante la Reunión Mundial sobre Educación 2024 (GEM), celebrada en Fortaleza, Brasil, los días 31 de octubre y 1 de noviembre de 2024, organizada por la UNESCO y acogida por el Gobierno de Brasil.
ENGLISH FRANÇAIS
Education remains the most critical means to accelerate societal progress, strengthen social cohesion and foster individual growth – but the right to education stands at a critical juncture.This report reviews 25 years of progress on the right to education, highlighting major gains such as near universal access to primary education, expansion of formal learning from early childhood through to higher education, and the growing recognition of lifelong learning as a cornerstone of human and social development. At the same time, radical shifts in the ways that we live, work and learn, have placed education systems under unprecedented pressure to adapt in a remarkably short period of time. The report explores the impact of digitalization, conflict, migration and demographic change on the right to education, in particular for vulnerable groups. It underscores the urgent need for renewed global commitments to strengthen the legal and institutional foundations of the right to education, close persistent equity gaps, and adapt to emerging demographic, technological, and societal realities. Reinforcing these dimensions is essential to ensure that education remains both a protective and transformative force for all.