My choice of challenges that hinder current social and economic development are not meeting basic needs for a large portion of the global population and not having access to education. If there is a constant struggle to meet basic needs such as food, water or good health, it is difficult to have resources to do much else. People in this situation are hardly to blame for the sustainability challenges that we are facing. But it all starts with the individual. Not having to worry about survival, opens possibilities to develop one’s social and economic status and participation to society on a larger scale.
This is where access to education presents opportunities. Basic literacy and numeracy skills offer a chance at a better life. Furthermore, education alleviates poverty and brings equity, develops life skills, improves productivity and creates equal opportunities.
The global North should be responsible for ensuring the access to education and offering resources to meet the basic needs of the people in the global South.