Bridging the digital divide for inclusive education post-pandemic: advancing SDG 4

Education is a fundamental human right and the cornerstone of personal growth, economic progress, and societal development. Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) aims to ensure inclusive, equitable, and quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all by 2050 (UNICEF, 2025). However, progress has been slow, with only 58% of students globally reaching minimum proficiency in reading by 2019 (United Nations, 2024). The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated educational challenges, particularly in marginalised and low-income communities, highlighting issues like inadequate infrastructure, teacher shortages, and the widening digital divide.