Education
Facts & Figures
Education is a cornerstone of human development and societal progress. It empowers individuals, fostering critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and lifelong learning. In the ASEAN context, education plays a pivotal role in reducing poverty, improving health outcomes, and promoting social cohesion. By investing in education, ASEAN member states can build a skilled workforce, enhance innovation, and create a more equitable society.
Government expenditure on education as % of GDP, by year
Government expenditure to education
The Education 2030 Framework for Action notes that allocation for education be at least 4% to 6% of GDP to education, and/or at least 15% to 20% of public expenditure be allocated to education (Global Education Monitoring Report, 2016).
Consolidated data from The ASEAN Magazine (2024). Issue 38, July 2024. Data from UNESCO Institute for Statistics. (n.d.). SDG4 indicators. https://data.uis.unesco.org/
95.1%
2022
Adult Literacy Rate
Source: ASEANstats (2023). ASEAN Statistical Highlights 2023.
0.99.
(various years, 2018 to 2021)
ASEAN had nearly reached parity between boys and girls in gross and net enrolment in primary education with Gender Parity Index equal to:
Source: ASEANstats (2023). Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment Infographic.
Number of Weeks Schools are Partially or Fully Closed, March 2020-October 2021
Number of Weeks Schools are Partially or Fully Closed, March 2020-October 2021
The COVID-19 pandemic triggered widespread school closures, disrupting education systems not only in ASEAN but worldwide.
Consolidated data from The ASEAN Magazine (2024). Issue 38, July 2024. Data f. UNESCO. (n.d.). COVID-19 educational disruption and response. UNESCO. Retrieved 29 July 2024, Data from https://webarchive. unesco.org/web/20220625033513/https://en.unesco.org/covid19/educationresponse#schoolclosures
