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In September 2019 the city of Cali, Colombia, hosted a pivotal event for global education, in the form of an International Forum on Inclusion and Equity in Education that brought together over 450 experts, educators, policymakers, and civil society representatives from 55 countries. The event was organized by the UNESCO, the Colombian Ministry of Education, and the City of Cali to shape a space for deep discussion, shared learning, and, most importantly, a commitment to accelerating inclusive and equitable education worldwide. This commitment, known as the Cali Commitment, which marks a significant milestone in the journey toward achieving the vision set out by international human rights frameworks such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Education 2030 Framework for Action.
Developing a Pledge toward ensuring an Inclusive Educational Framework-
At the heart of the Cali Commitment is a collective pledge to provide equitable and inclusive quality education for all learners, from the early years through to lifelong learning. This vision is firmly anchored in the recognition that education is a fundamental human right that should be accessible to every learner, regardless of background, ability, or circumstance. The Forum reaffirmed the need for urgent action to remove the barriers that continue to exclude marginalized and vulnerable groups from educational opportunities.
This inclusive approach is designed to ensure that no one is left behind as we work toward achieving the SDGs, particularly Goal 4, which seeks to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education for all.
Designing Policies for Equity and Inclusion
One of the key themes of the Forum was the need for robust public policies that are specifically designed to foster inclusion in education. Experts discussed how governments can craft policies that are not just aspirational, but actionable and effective. The focus was on creating policies that ensure inclusive education is not an afterthought, but a fundamental principle embedded in the design and delivery of education systems.
The Forum highlighted the importance of cross-sectoral policy planning and working across different sectors of government and society to ensure that policies supporting education, health, housing, and social welfare are aligned and mutually reinforcing and addressing the need for greater accountability from decision-makers.
From broadening curricula to include diverse perspectives and experiences, to ensuring safe and supportive learning environments, the Cali Commitment emphasizes the need to enforce the policy of inclusion across every aspect of the education system. This includes adapting educational practices to meet the needs of learners with disabilities, those from minority language backgrounds, and those who face socio-economic challenges. The commitment to improving the accessibility of ICT (Information and Communication Technology) in education was also highlighted, given its growing importance in ensuring equitable access to learning resources and opportunities.
The Role of Stakeholders: A Collective Effort
The success of the Cali Commitment depends on the active involvement of all stakeholders, from governments to local communities, civil society, and the private sector. One of the key takeaways from the Forum was the importance of listening to and amplifying the voices of children and youth in shaping educational policy and practice. The experiences and insights of learners, especially those from marginalized groups, are invaluable in designing systems that truly meet their needs.
The commitment also stressed the need for adequate funding for inclusive education. The allocation of resources, both financial and human, is critical to ensuring that inclusive education becomes a reality. Governments must prioritize education funding, and international organizations must continue to support countries that require assistance in building inclusive education systems.
Looking Ahead: The Road to Equity
The Cali Commitment is a powerful reminder that while progress has been made since the landmark Salamanca Statement of 1994, much work remains to be done. The Forum provided a platform for global dialogue, but it also set clear expectations for future action. As we move toward the 2030 deadline for achieving the SDGs, it is clear that inclusion and equity must be central to every effort in the education sector.
The commitment to inclusive education is not just about policy—it's about creating a culture of inclusion in every classroom, every school, and every community. The Cali Commitment reminds us that inclusive education is not a niche or a luxury; it is a foundational element of human rights, social justice, and sustainable development. By taking collective action, we can ensure that education truly is a transformative force for every learner, everywhere.
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