One in six school-age children-273 million globally-are out of school, according to UNESCO’s 2026 Global Education Monitoring Report. Progress has stalled since 2015, especially in sub-Saharan Africa and conflict zones where official data undercounts the crisis.
Despite setbacks, global enrollment has surged since 2000, adding more than 25 children to classrooms every minute. Yet no single policy can reverse exclusion-tailored strategies and sustained investment are essential.
In Ukraine, Russia launched nearly 1,000 drones and dozens of missiles on March 23-24, killing at least six and injuring nearly 100. Strikes hit residential areas, a monastery in Lviv, and a maternity hospital in Ivano-Frankivsk. The UN confirms over 15,000 civilian deaths since the 2022 invasion, with 3.7 million internally displaced.
Meanwhile, nearly half of all protected migratory species are in decline-a rise from 44% two years ago-per a UN Environment Programme report. Extinction threats now affect 24% of these species. UNEP’s Elizabeth Maruma Mrema emphasized that cross-border cooperation is non-negotiable for their survival.