PROGRESS OF INCLUSIVE EDUCATION IN ARMENIA: UNESCO GLOBAL EDUCATION MONITORING REPORT
In March 2026, the 6th annual meeting of the UNESCO Global Education Coalition was held in Paris, which was also attended by the Deputy Minister of Education, Science, Culture, and Sports of the Republic of Armenia, Araksia Svajyan. The focus of the Meeting was the UNESCO Global Education Monitoring Report, which also addressed the results of the RA education system.
The “Equity” section of the Report presents the universal inclusive education system in Armenia as a separate case study and a successful experience. In particular, attention is drawn to the decrease in the number of children attending special schools and children with disabilities, which is attributed to the introduction of the universal inclusive education system and the inclusion of all children in mainstream schools.
The Report outlines several directions for organizing universal inclusive education, within which Armenia has made significant progress:
- ✦ continuous improvement of the assessment process of special educational needs;
- ✦ raising parents’ awareness;
- ✦ reduction in the number of children excluded from compulsory education;
- ✦ growth in the number of learners involved in vocational education and training.
Within the framework of the Meeting, A. Svajyan also participated in a panel discussion, where she presented the RA State Policy aimed at ensuring immediate access to education for displaced children, vulnerable groups, and those with special educational needs.
The Deputy Minister referred to the rapid and comprehensive measures undertaken to organize the education of children displaced from Nagorno-Karabakh, the psychological and psychosocial support programs implemented by schools, the training of academic staff, the revision of curricula, the adaptation of schools to accessibility standards, and the expansion of opportunities for children with special educational needs to receive quality education as a result of the implemented policy.
Noting Armenia’s experience in this field, A. Svajyan emphasized the importance of monitoring the admission process in kindergartens, schools, and vocational institutions using digital tools, which enable to track each child’s educational path, assess learning progress, and prevent potential risks of dropping out of school, ensuring that all children have the opportunity to fully realize their right to education from early childhood to secondary and vocational education.
The UNESCO Global Education Monitoring Report launches the three-part Countdown to 2030 series, which will examine access and equity (2026), quality and learning (2027), and relevance (2028/29). Drawing on data and country case studies, it shows that lasting educational progress depends on coherent policies, responsiveness to changing circumstances, and a long-term commitment to equity. Together, these reports will assess how education systems expand opportunities, support learning, and equip learners with the knowledge and skills to face emerging challenges.
You can access the full version of the Global Education Monitoring Report by going through the following link: https://unesdoc.unesco.org/…/PDF/397618eng.pdf.multi
01․04.2026
