Launching a new flagship on education for rural people

Extension, Education and Communication Service
FAO Research, Extension and Training Division

The Sustainable Development Department (SD) of FAO and UNESCO are inviting member countries, UN entities and civil society to join in the establishment of a new Partnership on Education for Rural People.

The initiative seeks to address rural-urban disparities, which are a serious concern to governments and the international community as a whole. About 70 per cent of the poor live in rural areas. Despite the fact that education is a basic right in itself and an essential prerequisite for reducing poverty, improving the living conditions of rural people and building a food-secure world, children's access to education in rural areas is still much lower than in urban areas, adult illiteracy is much higher and quality of education is poorer.

In this regard, FAO and UNESCO are joining efforts in the establishment of a new flagship within the Education for All (EFA) initiative with a focus on Education for rural people. The partnership will be open to members committed to working separately and together to promote and facilitate quality basic education for rural people.

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