The latest report from the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) reveals that 273 million children are out of school, a figure that has increased for the seventh consecutive year. While nearly 90 percent of children complete primary education, significant gaps exist in early learning and secondary education. Notably, 194 million of the out-of-school children are of secondary school age, with about one-third of young people globally failing to complete secondary school. UNESCO predicts that at the current pace, the world will not achieve 95 percent upper secondary completion until 2105. The report highlights that only 60 percent of primary school students have received at least one year of pre-primary education, which is crucial for early brain development. In sub-Saharan Africa, enrollment in pre-primary education is alarmingly low, with fewer than one in four children participating. Financial barriers are a significant obstacle, particularly for preschool and secondary education, as many families cannot afford the associated costs. For instance, in Uganda, the lack of publicly funded preschool options leads to high dropout rates. The report advocates for a new international treaty to ensure free pre-primary and secondary education for all children, as current international law only guarantees free education at the primary level. Formal discussions on this treaty began at the UN last year, with over 60 countries expressing support. While such a treaty won't solve the issue overnight, it could catalyze essential changes, prompting governments to ensure that every child can attend school, regardless of their family's financial situation.