UN chief warns education becoming 'great divider'

14 Sept 08:09 Key points summarised by AI

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that education is in a "deep crisis," rapidly becoming a "great divide" due to inequality, rather than an enabler.
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly worsened this divide, particularly for poor students lacking technology, with conflicts further disrupting learning globally.
Guterres specifically condemned the Taliban's actions in Afghanistan, where over one million teenage girls are deprived of education, urging immediate lifting of these restrictions.
He appealed to all countries to prioritize increased per-student spending, even amid global economic challenges, to address the escalating educational disparities.

Macron condemns those who 'sought to bring down the Republic' after rioting mars nationwide protests

Today 12:56 Key points summarised by AI

President Macron condemned widespread rioting and looting during nationwide protests, blaming far-left activists and criminals for the "unrestrained violence" and vowing accountability for those who "sought to bring down the Republic."
Over 2,400 arrests were made as protests against rising living costs and poor school conditions escalated, causing extensive damage to public buildings and businesses in cities like Paris, Limoges (where City Hall burned), Marseille, and Lyon.
The unrest, which organizers hoped would revive the "yellow vest" movement, saw political leaders trade blame, with Macron instructing prefects to protect public buildings and potentially ban future protests to prevent further disorder.