Education is Everyone’s Business

As we mark International Literacy Day on September 8th, it is evident that the private sector is not doing enough to tackle the global education crisis. While some companies have embraced social responsibility, too many remain on the sidelines regarding children’s rights and education. With millions of children denied their basic right to learn, businesses must recognize that investing in education is not just optional—it’s both a moral duty and a strategic necessity.

This year’s International Literacy Day coincides with the “Back to School” season, but for millions, this is just a distant dream. UNESCO data from 2023 reveals that the number of out-of-school children has increased by 6 million since 2021, now totaling 250 million. The COVID-19 pandemic has further exposed these disparities, revealing a deepening education crisis. UNICEF’s 2023 Annual Report underscores that despite increased access to education, significant socio-economic and regional disparities persist, leaving many children without the skills needed for adulthood and widening the digital divide.

The Role of Business in Advancing Children’s Education and Rights

Businesses wield significant influence and resources that can be leveraged to support educational initiatives and promote children’s rights. By integrating children’s rights into their core strategies and operations, companies can contribute to shaping a future where every child has access to quality education. This approach is not just a moral imperative; it is also a strategic investment in building sustainable communities, a skilled workforce, and a more equitable world.

Global Child Forum’s Corporate Sector and Children’s Benchmark reveals that while some companies have begun to align their strategies with children’s rights, there is still a considerable gap in meaningful action and reporting. Businesses must move beyond traditional corporate social responsibility (CSR) models to embrace a holistic approach that integrates children’s rights into their sustainability and business strategies.

Corporate Initiatives Making a Difference in Education

Several companies are leading by example in the field of education and children’s rights. By investing in education, these businesses are not only enhancing their corporate social responsibility profiles but also contributing to global development goals:

LEGO Group: The LEGO Group, in partnership with organizations like UNICEF, promotes quality education through its “Learning through Play” initiative. This program has reached millions of children worldwide, providing innovative, play-based learning materials that enhance creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration—key skills for the future workforce.

Microsoft: Microsoft’s “Tech for Social Impact” initiative partners with NGOs and educational institutions to deliver digital education to underserved communities. Their “YouthSpark” program focuses on building computer science skills and digital literacy for young people, providing free tools, training, and resources to empower future leaders.

Procter & Gamble (P&G): P&G’s “Always Keeping Girls in School” program addresses gender disparities in education by providing menstrual hygiene products and education. Operating in over 65 countries, the program helps millions of girls stay in school by tackling barriers related to menstrual health.

Why Businesses Should Invest in Education

Investing in children’s education isn’t just charity—it’s a smart business move. Companies that support education help build a skilled, innovative future workforce that drives economic growth and boosts productivity. This benefits both individual businesses and the broader economy. Moreover, businesses that prioritize education often gain a better reputation among socially conscious consumers and investors, enhancing brand loyalty and trust. By backing education, companies also align with Sustainable Development Goals like Quality Education, Gender Equality, and Reduced Inequalities.

What can businesses do?

The barriers to education are often rooted in poverty, inequality, and discrimination. Addressing these challenges requires a multi-stakeholder approach, including robust involvement from the business sector but here are a few steps businesses can take to make an impact:

• Adopt the Children’s Rights and Business Principles (CRBPs): Developed by UNICEF, the UN Global Compact, and Save the Children, these principles provide a comprehensive framework for companies to respect and support children’s rights in their operations and relationships.
• Collaborate with NGOs and Educational Institutions: Partnerships can amplify impact. By working with organizations experienced in education and children’s rights, companies can develop effective, scalable initiatives that address local needs.
• Measure and Report Impact: Transparency is key. Companies should track and report their impact on children’s education to ensure accountability and continuous improvement.

A Call to Action for Businesses: Be Part of the Solution

As the world moves forward from the challenges posed by the pandemic, there is a renewed focus on building back better—and education is at the heart of this effort. Businesses, with their resources, influence, and innovation, are uniquely positioned to drive positive change. On this International Literacy Day, let’s commit to making children’s education and rights a central pillar of corporate sustainability. Because when children succeed, we all succeed.

Let’s make education everyone’s business.