Preschool access surges in Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan: UNESCO
New report shows sharp gains in early education and inclusion, but warns progress on completion remains slow
BAKU, Azerbaijan (MNTV) — Access to preschool education has expanded rapidly in Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan, reflecting broader global gains in education over the past two decades, according to a new report by UNESCO.
In Azerbaijan, the share of five-year-olds enrolled in preschool rose from 25% in 2016 to 92% in 2021, nearly eliminating disparities between urban and rural areas.
Uzbekistan has seen similar progress, with preschool enrollment tripling in seven years as authorities narrowed gaps between the capital and other regions.
The figures were published in UNESCO’s 2026 Global Education Monitoring Report, which tracks worldwide trends in access, equity and learning outcomes.
Globally, primary and secondary school enrollment has increased by about 30% since 2000, reaching 1.4 billion students in 2024. Pre-primary enrollment rose by 45%, while post-secondary education saw a 161% surge, the report said.
Overall, more than 25 children gain access to education every minute, and the gender gap in basic education has largely been eliminated.
The report also highlights significant expansion in higher education in China, where participation has grown from 7% in 1999 to more than 60% in 2024.
Completion rates have improved as well, with global primary completion rising from 77% in 2000 to 88% in 2024, and secondary completion from 60% to 78%. However, UNESCO warned that at the current pace, universal completion rates of 95% may not be reached until 2105.
The report points to increasing global commitment to inclusive education. The share of countries embedding inclusion in legislation has grown from 1% in 2000 to 24%, while those educating children with disabilities in inclusive settings increased from 17% to 29%.
In Eastern Europe, Central Asia and the South Caucasus, countries are shifting away from segregated systems. The proportion of children with disabilities in specialized boarding schools dropped from 78% in 2005 to 29% in 2024. The most notable progress was recorded in Moldova, where the figure fell from 77% to 8%.
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