Teachers are central to unlocking every learner’s potential and achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4 of inclusive, equitable and quality education for all. Regrettably, worldwide teacher shortages have been endangering the future of education. New data collected for the Global Report on Teachers indicates that 44 million additional teachers are needed to achieve universal primary and secondary education by 2030. Shortages are widespread, with sub-Saharan Africa needing 15 million more teachers, while higher-income countries face retention challenges, resulting in teachers massively leaving the profession.

Echoing calls from the International Commission on the Futures of Education and the 2022 Transforming Education Summit, this report advocates for dignifying, diversifying, and valorizing the teaching profession. It emphasizes the importance of improved working conditions, enhanced professional development, and increased teacher involvement in decision-making to bridge the gap.