U.S. Lawmakers introduce resolution to reaffirm global education commitments
Representative Grace Meng (D-NY), alongside Mike Quigley (D-IL), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), introduced a bipartisan resolution affirming the United States' commitment to achieving SDG 4.
U.S. Representatives introduced a bipartisan resolution reaffirming the country’s commitment to SDG 4, emphasising education’s role in economic growth and global stability.
The resolution calls for increased investment in education, stronger partnerships with organisations like UNESCO and GPE, and targeted support for marginalised groups, including girls, refugees, and children with disabilities.
It highlights education as a U.S. foreign policy priority, with broad congressional support and a call for sustained leadership in global education efforts.
In honour of the International Day of Education and to bolster education efforts, Representatives Grace Meng (D-NY), Mike Quigley (D-IL), and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) have introduced a bipartisan resolution affirming the United States' commitment to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) which commits the world to provide equitable quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all by 2030.
The resolution highlights the critical role education plays in advancing economic prosperity, global stability, and human rights worldwide.
Bipartisan call to action
The resolution reflects bipartisan recognition of education as a transformative tool for individuals and communities. “Every child, regardless of where they live, deserves access to quality education,” said Representative Meng.
Representative Quigley added, “This resolution underscores the importance of U.S. leadership in addressing the education crisis worldwide. We must remain steadfast in our support for programs and initiatives that empower the next generation.”
Representative Fitzpatrick said, “Education is a universal value that transcends politics. By supporting global education, we invest in a brighter, more stable future for all.”
Addressing global challenges
The resolution comes at a time when the world faces a learning crisis of unprecedented scale. According to UNESCO, nearly 244 million children and youth are out of school, while many of those in classrooms are not acquiring basic literacy and numeracy skills. TThe resolution calls for:
Increased investment in global education programs.
Strengthened partnerships with multilateral organizations, such as UNESCO, the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) and Education Cannot Wait.
Focused efforts on ensuring education access for girls, refugees, and children with disabilities.
Support for foundational learning initiatives to address literacy and numeracy deficits.
The resolution emphasises that education is central to achieving broader development goals, including economic growth, health equity, and climate resilience. It also underscores the importance of U.S. support for education initiatives that align with national security and foreign policy priorities. By investing in education, the resolution argues, the U.S. not only strengthens its moral leadership but also promotes global stability and prosperity.
The path forward
We are hopeful that this resolution will galvanise further action and investment from both the U.S. government and international partners.
“US support for global education has played a vital part in increasing access to education and improving learning outcomes around the world ,” said Joseph Nhan-O’Reilly, IPNEd’s executive director.
“We urgently need every donor government playing its part in efforts to accelerate progress, including the United States. We earnestly hope that this resolution helps to underscore the support from across Congress for the United States to continue to play a central role in getting children into school and supporting their learning,” he concluded.
Cosponsors of Meng, Quigley, and Fitzpatrick's measure include: Reps. Joyce Beatty, Sanford Bishop, Susan Bonamici, Troy Carter, Ed Case, Yvette Clarke, Steve Cohen, Debbie Dingell, Dwight Evans, Raúl Grijalva, Jahana Hayes, Chrissy Houlahan, Sydney Kamlager-Dove, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Ted Lieu, Jim McGovern, LaMonica McIver, Seth Moulton, Eleanor Norton-Holmes, Ilhan Omar, Linda Sánchez, Jan Schakowsky, Dina Titus, Jill Tokuda, Nydia Velázquez, and Debbie Wasserman-Schultz.
