UNESCO COVID-19 Education Response: Education Sector Issue Notes

In light of the far-reaching consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on education systems around the world, with 89% of the world’s student population affected by COVID-19 school closures as of 1 April 2020, governments and partner organizations have ramped up efforts to facilitate the continuity of learning. It is important to acknowledge that the current crisis will have long-lasting consequences for
education systems in terms of access, quality, equity and management, which are likely to persist beyond the pandemic. Furthermore, risks of disasters, conflict and violence, are becoming more frequent, pointing towards the increased need to strengthen risk reduction capacities in the education sectors, including through prevention, preparedness and mitigation activities. 

Therefore, while recognizing the urgency of immediate action to minimize educational disruption, UNESCO advocates for rapid response efforts to be underpinned by a mid- and longer-term, multi-risk and sustainability-oriented approach. Initiatives that are put in place as part of an immediate response to the COVID-19 pandemic should ideally build on and strengthen local strategies to sustain responsiveness and engagement at all levels of the education system.