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Thematic Action Tracks

Thematic Action Tracks are key levers to transform education by focusing on five areas that need attention. The Action Tracks seek to mobilize new commitments, by highlighting policy interventions that work, and leveraging existing initiatives and partnerships, including those that emerged in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Thematic Action Track 2: Learning and skills for life, work and sustainable development 

There is a crisis in foundational learning. Literacy and numeracy skills are missing among young learners. In 2020, more than 770 million people lacked basic literacy skills. Two-thirds of whom were women. 

Transforming education means empowering learners with knowledge, skills and values. Building attitudes to be resilient, adaptable and prepared for the uncertain future. Contributing to human and planetary well-being and sustainable development. 

Key issues

  • Foundational learning (from the lifelong learning perspective)
  • Skills for employment and entrepreneurship
  • Education for sustainable development including environmental education

Discussion paper & forum

The discussion paper, prepared by the co-leads of the Thematic Action Track with the support of UN support teams and in consultation with countries and partners, provide latest insight on learning and skills for life, work and sustainable developmentJoin the discussion forum to continue the conversation and share your views. 

Thematic Action Track co-leads 

  • Colombia
  • Japan
  • WorldSkills International

UN support team

  • UNESCO (anchor), ILO (alternate), UNICEF, UNFCCC, UNEP, UNU, UNECE

Update and the way forward by co-lead at the Pre-Summit, UNESCO 28-30 June 2022

Watch María Victoria Angulo González, Minister of National Education, Colombia.

Remote video URL