Out-of-school numbers are rising for the seventh consecutive year, reaching 273 million children and young people worldwide. Yet more learners are entering school than ever before. UNESCO’s 2026 Global Education Monitoring Report (GEM Report), released today, is the global reference on the state of education and sheds light on this paradox and what lies behind it. 1 in 6 children worldwide are excluded from education, even as more than 25 learners enter school every minute. This trend is driven by population growth, crises and shrinking budgets. Yet progress is possible. Some countries are making significant progress, showing that policies can be effective when adapted to national contexts. Closing this gap will require a stronger focus on equity to ensure no one is left behind. Explore the 2026 GEM Report, Access and equity: Countdown to 2030. #GEMReport #UNESCO #Education #YourStoryCounts #SDG4 #OutOfSchool