2030 goals / Goal 4
Quality Education
A good education for every child
Progress in numbers
Latest figures available, mostly from the UN SDG Report 2026.
- Target
- 0%by 2030
- Start
- 17.4%2015
- Latest
- 16.8%2024
- Target
- 100%by 2030
- Start
- 53%2015
- Latest
- 61%2024
- Target
- 100%by 2030
- Start
- 74%2015
- Latest
- 75%2024
- Target
- 100%by 2030
- Start
- 91%2015
- Latest
- 93%2024
Goals and targets
10 targets, each with the UN's own rating from the SDG Report 2026. Open one for a plain explanation and how it is measured.
2 moderate progress 1 marginal progress 5 stalled 2 not enough data
4.1Every child finishes primary and secondary school Stalled
All girls and boys complete free, fair and good quality primary and secondary schooling that leads to real learning.
Measured by
- Share of children reaching minimum reading and maths levels
- School completion rate
4.2A good start before school Stalled
All young children get quality early childhood care and pre-primary education so they are ready for school.
Measured by
- Share of young children developing on track
- Participation in organised learning the year before school
4.3Affordable training, trade and university study Stalled
Equal access for women and men to affordable, good quality technical, vocational and tertiary education, including university.
Measured by
- Share of youth and adults in education or training in the past year
4.4Skills for jobs and business Not enough data
Many more young people and adults with the technical and vocational skills needed for work, decent jobs and starting a business.
Measured by
- Share of youth and adults with digital skills
4.5Fair access to learning for all Moderate progress
Remove gender gaps in education and give equal access for people with disability, Indigenous peoples and children in vulnerable situations.
Measured by
- Equality ratios in education (girls and boys, rich and poor, city and country and more)
4.6Reading and maths for everyone Stalled
All young people and a large share of adults able to read, write and do basic maths.
Measured by
- Share of people reaching basic reading and maths skills
4.7Learning for a sustainable future Not enough data
All learners gain the knowledge and skills to support sustainable living, human rights, gender equality, peace, global citizenship and respect for cultural diversity.
Measured by
- How far these topics feature in national policy, curriculum, teacher training and student assessment
4.aSafe, inclusive school buildings Marginal progress
Build and upgrade schools so they are safe, welcoming and suitable for children of every ability and gender.
Measured by
- Share of schools with electricity, internet, computers, disability access, drinking water, toilets and handwashing
4.bMore scholarships for poorer countries Moderate progress
Greatly increase scholarships for students from developing countries to study in other countries, including in trades, technology and science. Due 2020.
Measured by
- Aid spent on scholarships
4.cMore qualified teachers Stalled
Greatly increase the supply of qualified teachers, including through teacher training cooperation in developing countries.
Measured by
- Share of teachers with the minimum required qualifications
An Our Common Grounds scorecard. Data from the UN and its partner agencies. See this goal on the full scorecard.