4.1 Universal primary and secondary educationThe Council of Europe contributes to SDG 4.1 mainly through its work on competences for democratic culture and language education.

Through its activities, standards and tools developed in this field, the Council of Europe encourages its member States to provide equitable, quality education whereby all learners acquire the competencies, values, culture and knowledge essential for ensuring social integration and intercultural openness. Activities ranging from the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, to projects such as the Quality Education in Romani for Europe, the development of a Reference Framework of Competences for Democratic Culture and the support provided by the Education Policy Advisors Network to effective implementation of Council of Europe education standards are just some of its stepping stones for achieving equitable, quality primary and secondary education that leads to relevant and effective learning outcomes in line with the values and culture of human rights and democratic citizenship.

Back 4.5 Gender equality and inclusion

By 2030, eliminate gender disparities in education and ensure equal access to all levels of education and vocational training for the vulnerable, including persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples and children in vulnerable situations

In its work to eliminate gender disparities in education and ensure equal access to all levels of education and vocational training for the vulnerable, including persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples and children in vulnerable situations, the Council of Europe has organised activities focused on facilitating the recognition of foreign qualifications to prevent discrimination in education and in employment and on enhancing the capacity of schools to remove prejudices and discriminatory approaches. Its Charter on Education for Democratic Citizenship and Human Rights Education states clearly that the valuing of diversity and equality, including gender equality, is an essential element of education in this field, as is the development of the type of knowledge and understanding that help reduce conflict, increase appreciation and understanding of differences between faith and ethnic groups and build mutual respect for human dignity and shared values.

Language of schooling

Languages of schooling are taught as subjects in their own right (literacy, reading, writing, literature, thinking about language, etc.) but also used for the teaching of other subjects (maths, biology, history, geography etc.).

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