A secondary education of quality helps young people realize their full human potential and take their place in society as productive, responsible and democratic citizens.

Progress towards achieving Universal Primary Education has led to a growing demand for secondary education, especially in sub-Saharan countries where secondary school enrolment levels rose by 55 per cent between 1999 and 2005.

UNESCO supports national efforts to meet this demand, along with improving access to secondary education and enhancing its quality.