Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4, established by the United Nations in 2015, aims to ensure inclusive, equitable, and quality education for all by 2030. Recognizing education as a fundamental human right and a crucial lever for social and economic development, SDG 4 seeks to address educational access, quality, and equity challenges across the globe. This includes foundational education, technical and vocational training, and higher education, with a focus on lifelong learning and sustainable development.
The article examines the significance of quality education as a transformative force, bridging socioeconomic disparities, promoting gender equality, and fostering global citizenship. India’s commitment to SDG 4, through initiatives like the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, and Pradhan Mantri e-Vidya, reflects its efforts to improve access to education, close gender gaps, and enhance learning outcomes. Despite commendable progress, India continues to face challenges such as teacher shortages, dropout rates, digital divides, and infrastructure gaps, particularly in rural and marginalized communities.