Sustainable Development Goals and Higher Education Institutions 774.4 A Transformative Agenda
It has been recognised that “[o]ne of the most important insights
regarding development in the last 25 years is that knowledge and
learning are at the centre of the process of economic growth”.^21 The
importance of education simply cannot be gainsaid, and underlies the
realisation of various other rights – not least of all, the right to dignity.
For many South Africans, and for many people the world over, it is the
ultimate equaliser in a society that remains deeply unequal.
Education is not only an end in its own right, but also a catalyst for
achieving a broader development agenda.^22 As explained by the
CESCR in General Comment 13:
“Education is both a human right in itself and an indispensable
means of realizing other human rights. As an empowerment
right, education is the primary vehicle by which economically
and socially marginalized adults and children can lift themselves
out of poverty and obtain the means to participate fully in their
communities. Education has a vital role in empowering women,
safeguarding children from exploitative and hazardous labour and
sexual exploitation, promoting human rights and democracy,
protecting the environment, and controlling population growth.
Increasingly, education is recognized as one of the best financial
investments States can make. But the importance of education is
not just practical: a well-educated, enlightened and active mind,
able to wander freely and widely, is one of the joys and rewards
of human existence.”21
United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, “The least developed
countries report” (2007) (https://www.google.co.za/webhp?sourceid=chrome-
instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-
8#q=unctad%20least%20developed%20countries%202007), at p 185. 22
Above n 2.