Highlights the sustainable development goals, specifically SDG 4 on global education and SDG 5 on gender equality. Stresses that before the pandemic, 258 million children were out of school, including one in two children with disabilities and more than half of refugee children. With schools shut down and teaching disrupted by the pandemic, decades of progress are at risk, affecting over 1.6 billion children and young people. Warns that girls of secondary school age are less likely to return when schools reopen, increasing risks of child marriage, labour, violence, and sexual exploitation.

Honoured to be the UK’s special envoy for girls’ education. Emphasises that providing every girl with 12 years of quality education is vital for women and girls, as well as for levelling up society and developing economies. Before the pandemic, there was a learning crisis, which has worsened due to school closures affecting 1.6 billion children at its peak in 2020. Urges global leaders to adopt an ambitious approach to girls’ education, focusing on quality and secondary education, and listening more carefully to what girls say about their needs.

It is right that there is a recognised day to highlight the importance of education internationally. As a former teacher, I am saddened by school closures during the pandemic and their impact on pupils' learning and socialisation. The UN 2030 agenda for sustainable development highlights the importance of education globally, with giving girls access to schooling as a key factor in eradicating global poverty. Educated women contribute to healthier communities and economic growth. Safe schools are crucial for ensuring that girls can attend school without fear. International collaborations must do better to help mitigate barriers to education faced by girls in developing countries.

Apologies were given for an initial technical issue preventing Katherine Fletcher's speech from being heard properly, and the debate was paused briefly. Later, Eleanor Laing apologised again as they returned to listen to Katherine Fletcher's second attempt.

Extends thanks for securing this debate on International Day of Education and highlights Audrey Hepburn’s quote about the power of education. Emphasises that quality education is crucial for peace, prosperity and global development. Raises concerns over the impact of school closures due to the pandemic and the widening digital divide affecting poorer students' access to remote learning technology. Stresses the significant number of children currently out of school and highlights specific risks facing girls. Questions what steps the Government plans to take towards meeting their education targets for 40 million girls globally, especially considering the impact of the coronavirus.

Education is top on the list of ways we can change the world. Educating a girl leads to her marrying later and ensuring education for her own children, being economically active, adopting leadership roles in family and community, and eventually holding national government positions. The UK has been a leader under both parties in promoting girls' education. Urges the Government not to cut the 0.7% aid budget despite the economic situation, as it would mean millions fewer children going to school and reduced access to health services and clean water for the world's poorest people.

Reflects on her family’s appreciation of education from her grandmother who missed out by leaving school early. Emphasises that educating women and girls is vital for community advancement, environmental stewardship, and health benefits. As a Prime Minister’s trade envoy to Mozambique, she highlights the importance of providing all girls with 12 years of quality education as pledged by the UK government. Supports efforts to empower women through education in Africa, despite challenges such as poverty and violence against women.

The hon. Member for West Worcestershire is congratulated on securing the debate and tributes are paid to other contributors. The widespread disruption caused by the pandemic, particularly in education, is highlighted. Over 1.6 billion students globally have faced significant disruption with months of uncertainty and prolonged periods without normality, exacerbating links between poor attainment and poverty due to digital divides. There is an obligation for support packages to be maintained and resources must be spent to ensure schools, colleges, and universities can allow young people to catch up on lost tuition. Financial support should also be provided to youth organisations and outdoor educational centres beyond classroom learning. It's crucial that the UK’s aid spending be reversed to help secure equitable access to education for all globally.

Co-sponsor of the debate, welcomes steps taken by the Government in supporting education both domestically and internationally. Highlights commitments made by the Prime Minister, including £515 million towards helping over 12 million children attend school in some of the world’s poorest countries. Emphasises the importance of continuing to work together with European partners on issues causing displacement and ensuring displaced children receive an education. Mentions UK aid's use in educating Syrian girls through Malala schools, expressing pride in its transformative power for future generations.

Congratulates the hon. Member for securing the debate and acknowledges the global education emergency exacerbated by school closures. Discusses UNICEF data indicating that three quarters of children not reached by remote learning live in poor households or rural areas, leading to increased risks such as child marriage, labour, and permanent dropout rates. Critiques recent aid cuts contrary to manifesto promises and questions a proposed halving of the education budget within FCDO. Urges the UK to pledge £600 million to the Global Partnership for Education as suggested by Send My Friend to School campaign.

Covid-19 is worsening the global learning crisis, particularly for girls and children with disabilities. Before the pandemic, UNESCO estimated that 258 million children and young people were out of school globally. The speaker calls on the Government to uphold the current aid commitment of 0.7% of gross national income to prevent further marginalization of vulnerable children.

The global pandemic has exposed inequalities in education, especially regarding access to technology and broadband. Teachers have adapted quickly but face challenges. Governments must encourage pupils back to school to avoid long-term impacts on economic wellbeing. The speaker advocates for systemic reform of the education system and emphasises the importance of e-learning as a cost-effective solution.

Access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) is crucial for safe school openings post-covid. Without these facilities, girls miss school due to menstruation issues, and children with disabilities cannot attend. Half of schools globally lack soap and water, and 620 million pupils do not have decent toilets. The speaker urges the Government to maintain the 0.7% aid budget and calls for £600 million investment in WASH.

The importance of UK aid in providing education for children with learning disabilities in Kenya is highlighted. Without schooling, many disabled girls were kept at home, limiting their opportunities. The speaker supports the commitment to funding education in emergency zones and encourages other countries to match the UK's commitments.

Reflecting on the importance of education for his family, Carmichael emphasises the risk to future generations due to school closures during the pandemic. He highlights the digital divide as a critical issue affecting educational opportunities in different parts of the country. Carmichael argues that supporting education globally benefits both children in developing countries and those at home, advocating for maintaining or even exceeding the 0.7% GNI target for aid.

Monaghan underscores the renewed commitment to UN sustainable development goal 4 amidst challenges exacerbated by the pandemic, including digital exclusion in the UK and remote learning limitations globally. She praises measures to mitigate these issues but calls for more government action to address the impact on vulnerable groups like girls. Monaghan also criticises the reduction of aid budget from 0.7% to 0.5% GNI as detrimental to children's education access, especially in conflict zones and under UK foreign policy influence.

The hon. Member highlighted the severe educational inequality exacerbated by the pandemic, noting that before it started, nine out of ten children in the world’s poorest countries could not read a basic book by age 10. She pointed to issues such as lack of soap and water in schools globally, and questioned the Government's effectiveness during the pandemic. Yasmin Qureshi also stressed the importance of girls' education for lifting whole communities out of poverty and preventing structural causes of gender inequality.

The hon. Member informed that there was a discrepancy with the clock in the Chamber, indicating that although it would show 17:30pm for the end of the debate, the real time will be 17:00.

Morton stressed the importance of education in transforming lives and societies, praising teachers for their resilience during the pandemic. She highlighted the UK's commitment to girls' education through initiatives like the appointment of a special envoy on girls’ education and the G7 presidency focus.

Baldwin thanked all who contributed to the debate, noting that despite many wanting to speak, only 14 colleagues managed to contribute. She highlighted themes of girls' education, inclusive education, sanitation in schools and quality teaching from speakers across various constituencies.