By: Jolianna Mbaka (Results volunteer)
As world leaders gather at the World Economic Forum and Canada approaches International Day of Education on January 24, it is clear that progress for children cannot be taken for granted.
For the first time this century, global child deaths are projected to rise, with as many as 4.8 million children under five dying in 2025. At the same time, 272 million children are missing out on school. These setbacks are not due to a lack of solutions, but to falling funding and political will.
International assistance has proven what works. Investments in healthcare, vaccines, nutrition, and education helped cut global child deaths nearly in half since 2000 and expanded learning opportunities worldwide. These gains save lives while strengthening global security, economic stability, and Canada’s role as a trusted partner.
In 2026, Canada must defend this progress by strengthening international assistance to close gaps in healthcare and education for women and children. Progress is worth protecting and protecting it is a choice.
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