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UNESCO: Education Is One of Sudans Most Strategic Investments for Recovery

Moatinoon
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has stressed that investing in education is one of the most strategic investments for Sudans recovery, warning of the significant economic and social costs of failing to prioritize the education sector.

The statement came during a high-level meeting held in Omdurman, organized by UNESCO in partnership with the Sudanese National Commission for Education, Science and Culture (NATCOM) and the Federal Ministry of Education, with participation from representatives of the Ministries of Interior, Human Resources and Social Welfare, the Federal Ministry of Health, the National Technical Team, academia, and development partners.

The meeting focused on the findings of UNESCOs Price of Inaction Study, an analytical framework that measures the economic and social costs of underinvesting in education. Conducted jointly with Sudans Federal Ministry of Education, the study is intended to provide evidence-based support for policymaking and demonstrate that education should be regarded as a strategic investment rather than a financial burden.

Opening the meeting, Mohamed Elmustafa, Secretary-General of the Sudanese National Commission for Education, Science and Culture, highlighted the strategic importance of the study and emphasized that its value is strengthened through broad cross-sector participation.

He praised the study for successfully quantifying the cost of failing to invest in education "in a language that decision-makers will listen to."

UNESCO Representative to Sudan and Head of Office Junaid Sorosh-Wali reaffirmed the organizations commitment to supporting the Federal Ministry of Education in strengthening evidence-based policymaking and ensuring that education remains a national priority throughout Sudans recovery and sustainable development.

"The Price of Inaction Study demonstrates the economic and social costs of failing to invest in education and shows why education should be viewed as one of Sudans most strategic investments rather than a cost," he said.

Meanwhile, Dr. Umsalam Elameen, Head of the Policy and Planning Department at the Federal Ministry of Education, reaffirmed the ministrys commitment to conducting an in-depth analysis of the study to maximize its contribution to future education policies and planning.

Participants reviewed the studys findings, presented by the national consultant, followed by technical discussions and recommendations from members of the National Technical Team. They emphasized that one of the studys greatest strengths is its strong national ownership, having been reviewed and contextualized by experts from government institutions, academia, and development partners to reflect Sudans realities and priorities.

Discussions focused on how the studys findings can support national planning, policy dialogue, advocacy, and resource mobilization across sectors. Participants also agreed on the importance of establishing an annual inter-ministerial forum to review progress and continue using evidence-based analysis to guide investment in Sudans education sector.