6 September 2018: The G20 held its first ministerial-level meeting on education in Mendoza, Argentina. Ministers issued a declaration affirming commitment to SDG 4 (quality education), and calling for education that will keep pace with technological development.

Argentina currently holds the G20 Presidency, and has highlighted education as a priority for the year, establishing a ministerial-level Education Working Group. During the 2017 G20 Summit in Hamburg, Germany, leaders recognized the need to educate and train people with the necessary skills for the future of work.

The ‘G20 Education Ministers’ Declaration 2018′ is sub-titled: ‘Building consensus for fair and sustainable development: Unleashing people’s potential.’ The Declaration recognizes education as a driver for sustainable development. It calls for promoting multiple and flexible pathways into lifelong education and training, and for education that keeps pace with technological innovations, including artificial intelligence, big data and the Internet of Things.

The Declaration encourages high participation of women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects. It expresses commitment to strengthening international cooperation, sharing knowledge and best practices, and developing joint initiatives.

The Declaration will be submitted to the G20 Leaders’ 2018 Summit, which takes place in Buenos Aires, Argentina, from 30 November to 1 December. Japan will take over the G20 Presidency in 2019.

During the ministers’ meeting, Audrey Azoulay, UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Director-General, presented UNESCO’s plan for access to quality, life-long education, and later met bilaterally with Mauricio Macri, President of Argentina. [G20 Education Ministers’ Declaration 2018] [UNESCO press release] [G20 opening press release] [G20 closing press release] [G20 Argentina website]