The crisis unleashed by COVID-19 is affecting every aspect of our lives, from health, jobs and education, to financial security, social relations and trust.
It has put a spotlight on equity challenges that existed well before the pandemic. Now is the time to intensify efforts to address them.
We must prepare for an inclusive and transformative recovery together, one that puts people’s well-being at the centre.
This means:
The COVID-19 pandemic forced school closures in nearly all countries in 2020, though the situation has steadily improved in 2021. OECD data shows that lower performing education systems were more likely to close for longer periods of time. Children from disadvantaged backgrounds are more likely to have lost school hours and to have lacked the resources for effective remote learning.
The pandemic has also provided a stark reminder that we do not all start out with same resources and opportunities, and that the consequences of this persist throughout our lives. This is where education can make a real difference, by creating a more level playing field for people of all ages to acquire the skills that power better jobs and better lives.
To make education equity a reality in the wake of the pandemic, many countries are investing in education: about two-thirds raised their education budgets in 2020 and three-quarters in 2021. Countries are also rolling out a range of measures to help make up for lost learning opportunities and the impact of the pandemic on children and young people.
Read more about Equity in Education.
Over one year into the COVID-19 pandemic, people are worried about their jobs and finances. The COVID-19 crisis has led to a fall in employment and millions of jobs and businesses in once secure sectors have been hard hit, such as tourism, hospitality, retail and construction.
SMEs account for the majority of firms and jobs in OECD countries, particularly in these sectors. Many are struggling, as are those who work in them, often young people, women and low-income workers. Many have experienced work disruption – such as furloughs, job losses, leaves, resignations – since the start of the crisis.
The human impact is clear: 1 in 10 people say they haven’t been able to cover their basic expenses, such as rent, mortgage, utility or credit card bills. Things have been particularly tough for households with young people and children. People are concerned about their household’s overall well-being and about having the skills to secure a well-paid, stable job in the coming decade.
We need to provide adequate social protection to all people, as well as the necessary training for them to find work in new sectors as the recovery unfolds. We need to support viable firms and help industries develop new sectors and jobs.