Ireland makes education its economic trump card at G20

Ireland is set to champion education as a driver of economic growth at the upcoming G20 meetings in South Africa. With 55.1% of its 25–34-year-olds holding higher education qualifications, Ireland boasts the world’s most educated population and a per capita GDP double that of the UK. Officials say this success stems from making secondary and tertiary education free decades ago, transforming a once-poor nation into a thriving knowledge economy. 

As Ireland refines its education system to align qualifications with growth sectors like life sciences and tech, it is urging global leaders to view education as essential infrastructure to boost economies and eradicate poverty. South Africa, by contrast, faces a stark dropout crisis with 40% of learners not completing school. Ireland’s message to G20 is clear: invest in education to fuel sustainable development.

Read the full article to see how Ireland’s education strategy drives economic resilience.